Carberry banned for 30 race days and fined €5,000
It was the second occasion Carberry had failed such a test and, in addition to the lengthy ban, he has also been fined €5,000, after going before the Referrrals Committee of the Turf Club yesterday.
A press release by the Irish Turf Club read: “Having considered the evidence, the committee noted the seriousness of the offence and the fact that it was Mr Carberry’s second such offence.
“In arriving at their decision the referrals committee was also conscious of their role in ensuring the continued safety of racing, which inherently contains dangers.
“They took into account assurances given by Mr Carberry’s solicitor in relation to certain matters.
“Having taken everything into consideration, the committee fined Paul carberry €5,000 and suspended him for 30 race days.
Carberry was represented by Andrew Coonan, of Coonan Cawley Solicitors of Naas, who said the rider will now assess whether to appeal the length of the suspension.
Coonan said: “At this stage, Paul wishes to reflect and consider the decision.
“He has a period of seven days in which he can appeal, should he wish to do so. This is a decision which I will discuss with him.”
Carberry’s period on the sidelines will start on November 25 and run until January 24. He will be able to return to riding in Ireland at Thurles on January 28.
He is first jockey to seven-times champion trainer Noel Meade and is one of the most gifted horsemen in this country.
Now regarded as very much at the veteran stage of an illustrious career, there has to be at least the possibility this latest episode will place a major strain on his relationship with Meade.
Said Meade: “This does seem pretty harsh, especially as it’s during the time of the best Irish racing. We will just have to work our way around it.”
Carberry will miss all of the racing at Christmas, one of the most lucrative parts of the season for a National Hunt pilot. He will, however, be free to ride in Britain, when there is no racing in Ireland. He was believed to be considering that option last night.
It was Carberry’s second such offence, for which he was also fined €5,000.
