Oisin Murphy banned from Craven meeting at Newmarket after ‘genuine mistake’ over whip rules

8 months ago 54

OISIN MURPHY will miss the entire Craven meeting at Newmarket after a ‘genuine mistake’ over whip rules.

The three-time former Flat champion jockey went one over the limit of six strikes when fifth on Vaguely Royal in the All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap last Friday.

Murphy will miss one of the biggest Flat meetings of the year after breaking whip rules[/caption]

Murphy wrote on Twitter: “I’ve picked up a six-day suspension for one strike too many on Vaguely Royal on Good Friday when finishing fifth in the marathon @NewcastleRaces.

“This was a genuine mistake and I didn’t purposely use my whip once more than permitted.

“As the race was worth £150,000 total prize money, my suspension should’ve been eight days but the fact I’ve not been suspended for a whip breach in over 200 rides, it’s been reduced by two days.

“Had I committed the same breach in the Listed Burradon stakes on the card when finishing a narrowly beaten second, I would be facing a two-day ban.

“I will miss April 12,13,15,16,17,18. The entire Craven meeting @NewmarketRace.

“I will endeavour not to fall foul of these whip rules as the penalties are costly.”

Murphy was sent off 9-2 favourite on the John & Thady Gosden-trained Vaguely Royal on All-Weather Finals day.

The four-year-old was up with the pace throughout but found little turning in as 10-1 Prydwen ran out a strong winner from 18-1 Duke Of Oxford.

The Craven meeting will run from Tuesday April 16 for three days.

The Craven race itself is one of the key trials for the following month’s 2000 Guineas, the first Classic of the season run over the same course and distance.