Murphy slams disciplinary panel as ‘headless chickens’
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).
“I knew what was happening as they had the inquiry when we were down the last day and they gave the same result, without telling us what they were going to do,” said Murphy.
“I wouldn’t accept it then and I don’t accept it now. I think it’s absolutely disgraceful.
“The rider made a mistake and I pointed that out to the stewards at Catterick, and they have one of those most experienced panels there is.
“There was no mention of the filly not running on her merits and when a panel down in London find something that an experienced panel in the North couldn’t find, that is what is wrong with racing.
“I’ve called them headless chickens before and that is exactly what they are.”
After an inquiry earlier in the month, the panel found Whillians had breached the Rules by design and concluded that the mare was being ridden in such a way so as to ensure a favourable handicapping mark.
In the panel’s view, Whillans pretended to make an effort in order to attempt to avoid the attentions of the stewards.
Due to “concurrent mitigating circumstances in respect of the difficult situation Whillans found himself in, being a conditional jockey who was instructed by his employer to ride in this manner”, they opted for an entry-level penalty.
They took a dimmer view of Murphy’s conduct, however, deciding that his instructions to Whillans did not comply with the Rules.
They increased his fine from the minimum £7,500 after concluding the “instruction of a conditional jockey who was employed by him was a despicable act which was further compounded by Murphy distancing himself from the ride before the stewards”, something that “does racing no credit”.
Murphy claimed he had been made to look like “an absolute tyrant” to his conditional riders as he “demands that they keep themselves fit, go on a proper diet and don’t be hanging around the pubs and clubs on a night”.
The trainer described himself as “incensed” by the suggestion that “I am such a tyrant I told Ewan to stop the mare and he hadn’t the strength to stand up to me and say no”.
