‘Relieved’ Dwyer’s 56-day ban lifted by BHA disciplinary panel

Martin Dwyer was relieved to put what he described as an “awful” period behind him after a disciplinary panel at the British Horseracing Authority decided not to reciprocate the 56-day ban he received in India.

The Derby-winning jockey has made a number of visits to the subcontinent to argue his case after it was alleged he did not ride the filly Ice Age on her merits at Mahalaxmi back in February, and at one stage the suspension was increased to eight months on appeal by the Royal Western India Turf Club. It was subsequently returned to 56 days on a second appeal and Dwyer, who has always professed his innocence, was down to his final option in asking the BHA not to impose the ban in Britain at all, enabling him to continue riding. A head-on video of the race showed Ice Age drift towards the rail in the closing stages, during which time Dwyer’s mount bumped the eventual runner-up and caused the jockey to snatch up his mount.

RWITC stewards called an inquiry and announced the horse was to be deemed a non-starter, with all bets refunded. Dwyer always maintained that he was innocent of any wrong-doing, and that his mount had not moved correctly and that she had suffered a nosebleed during the race. Dwyer said: “I’m pleased and relieved it’s all over because it has dragged on for eight months. I fought it the whole way and I’m pleased I’ve come out the right side.