Jockeys ‘not obliged to follow trainers’ instructions’
Australian expert Ray Murrihy caused laughter in court when he suggested that trainers’ instructions were ignored on a daily basis.
Mr Murrihy was giving evidence for a fourth day for the prosecution on 27 races alleged to be part of a betting scam involving “throwing” races.
He said he did not understand why Fallon’s mount Beauvrai had missed the start at Yarmouth in August 2004 while his hood was taken off.
Mr Murrihy was asked by John Kelsey-Fry, QC, defending Fallon: “You would not have approved of the trainer’s instructions?”
He replied he would not have approved the instructions or ride in this case, adding: “Jockeys are not committed in every circumstance to follow the instructions if they are ridiculous or against the law.”
Mr Kelsey-Fry asked: “He should rip them up and ignore them?”
Mr Murrihy replied: “It happens every day. Circumstances change. If you are asking me to agree that in every possible circumstance, the instructions are appropriate and should be followed to the letter, then my answer is no.”
After Mr Murrihy agreed his answer also related to the Beauvrai race, Mr Kelsey-Fry told him: “In that case, I have no more to ask”.
The court has been told that Mr Murrihy picked out 13 races ridden by Fallon and fellow jockeys Darren Williams and Fergal Lynch in which he would have held a stewards’ inquiry. Six were ridden by Fallon and two had resulted in wins for him.
Fallon, 42, of Tipperary; Fergal Lynch, 29, of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire; and Williams, 29, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, deny the conspiracy between December 2002 and August 2004 to allow horses to lose so a betting syndicate could win money.
Lynch’s brother, Shaun Lynch, 38, of Belfast; professional gambler Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire; and barman Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.
Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime. All the defendants are on bail.
The trial was adjourned until today.
