Bradley ‘very disappointed’ at losing appeal
The former jockey turned bloodstock agent will be banned from entering any racecourse or premises owned, used or licensed by the Jockey Club as from today and he will also be barred from dealing in any capacity with a racehorse.
Bradley had claimed that the April 2003 disqualification order following proceedings before the Jockey Club’s disciplinary committee and appeal board was unlawful. However, Bradley’s claim was dismissed by a judge in London yesterday and he is now considering his options.
A short statement from solicitors Mischon de Reya said: “Graham Bradley is very disappointed at the result and is in discussion with his legal advisors to consider what steps he should take.”
His lawyers could make an application to the Court of Appeal in a bid to take the case further.
Judge Mr Justice Richards said he rejected the challenge to the appeal board’s decision “and to the implementation of that decision by the Jockey Club”.
He said that “at the end of the day I accept the Jockey Club’s fundamental submission that in the circumstances of the case a five year period of disqualification was on any view a proportionate and lawful penalty”.
The Jockey Club welcomed yesterday’s ruling and confirmed that Bradley’s ban will begin today.
John Maxse, public relations director of the Jockey Club, said: “It is important for horseracing that its regulator, the Jockey Club, is able to police the sport effectively.
“We should be able to issue appropriate penalties where the offence and the evidence warrant it.
“Mr Justice Richards has concluded that the Jockey Club’s disciplinary and appeal process in the case of Graham Bradley, had resulted in a penalty which was “proportionate and lawful” and he endorses our procedures.
“The findings will assist the Jockey Club in carrying out its vital duties in upholding the integrity of the sport.”
The judge ordered Bradley to pay the costs of the hearing with an interim payment of £20,000 to be paid within 28 days.
Bradley, who retired from riding in December 1999, had sought an injunction or damages for breach of contract. His QC, Timothy Higginson, told Mr Justice Richards earlier this year that the ban was disproportionate, in breach of contract and an unreasonable restraint of trade.
He said: “If the court concludes ultimately - which I say is inevitable - that the imposition of this ban will simply take away Bradley’s livelihood completely and forever, then it has a short decision to make in its reviewing process.”
