Racing: Dwyer planning to fight two-month ban

By NICK ROBSON
Published on 22/03/2013 00:55

Jockey Martin Dwyer plans to appeal against the near two-month suspension handed to him by the Royal Western India Turf Club.

Dwyer has been banned from 6 April to 31 May following an inquiry into one of his rides at Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai last month. He finished a narrow third on market leader Ice Age in Division One of the Ice Magic Plate, prompting an angry response from racegoers.

A head-on video of the race showed Ice Age appearing to drift towards the rail in the closing stages, bumping the eventual runner-up and causing Dwyer to snatch up his mount.

The RWITC stewards called an inquiry and announced the horse was to be deemed a non-starter, with all bets refunded.

At the time, Dwyer suggested his mount was not moving correctly and had suffered a nose bleed. He had expected to be cleared at the inquiry. If Dwyer’s appeal fails, he will miss the ride on the William Muir-trained Purr Along in the 1,000 Guineas, although he would be back in time for the Investec Derby.

“I’m still in a state of shock to be honest. I’m a bit numb,” said Dwyer. “I’m very disappointed with the decision and I’m still trying to get my head around it. I will go through every possible course of action to lift the ban before I come home.

“The vet’s report confirmed that the horse broke a blood vessel and I dismounted as soon as we passed the post. This was all confirmed today, but they decided that I didn’t let the horse run on its merits.”

Champion jockey Richard Hughes was banned for 50 days by the Indian stewards last year, a suspension which was upheld by the British Horseracing Authority. A statement from BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey read: “Any jockey has the right to ask their home authority not to reciprocate any suspension. Should this occur, then any application would be given due consideration.

“Normally, for such an application to be successful, the rider would need to provide grounds as to why we should not enforce the ban which under normal circumstances would be reciprocated, for example if they can prove that the disciplinary process did not comply with the laws of natural justice.”

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, says the organisation will back Dwyer in his appeal.

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