Murphy slams disciplinary panel as ‘headless chickens’

FERDY MURPHY has hit out at the British Horseracing Authority after being handed a £9,500 fine following a disciplinary panel hearing.

Murphy described the panel as “headless chickens” after being penalised over the running and riding of Mansonn Leda, who finished fifth in the Streetlam Mares’ “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick on December 3.

While the Yorkshire trainer was handed the hefty fine, conditional jockey Ewan Whillans was banned for 42 days (January 30 to March 12 inclusive) and the horse suspended from running for 40 days (January 30 to March 10 inclusive).