Murphy ban cut to one day
Murphy was only cleared to ride the Martin Pipe-trained runner after he had a seven-day ban reduced to just one day on appeal at the Jockey Club yesterday.
The jockey was initially due to start his ban on St Stehen’s day and he would have been out of action until New Year’s Day after being found guilty of improper riding at Plumpton on December 13.
Murphy’s mount Semi Precious crashed out at the fourth-last fence and the rider reacted by throwing his whip at the horse.
However, the penalty was drastically reduced by the disciplinary panel today and Murphy will now ride Johnson’s star chaser.
“I’m thrilled to bits and delighted that the stewards have had time to reflect on the decision, and they have given Timmy an early Christmas present!” said Johnson.
“It was probably difficult for the stewards on the day, much like a football referee. They have had time to watch replays and reflect on more evidence now and I’m pleased with the decision.”
Johnson had secured the services of Richard Johnson for Therealbandit in case Murphy lost his appeal, but he will now switch to another of Pipe’s runners, Tiutchev, in the race.
“Richard was very kind to go on standby for the ride and I very much appreciated that, but obviously Timmy is back on the horse now.”
Murphy’s one-day suspension would normally have been served on St Stephen’s Day, but it has been deferred until Monday as Jockey Club rules allow bans of less than two days to be changed if there is a Grade One race on that day.
Johnson, however, is still left with a rider dilemma as his top two-mile chaser Well Chief is due to tackle the skybet.com Castleford Chase at Wetherby on Monday.
The owner added: “He’s down to run but that now gives me a jockey problem as Timmy will be out that day. I have got runners at the other meetings and I wouldn’t want to be scratching around for a jockey.
