‘Relieved’ Dwyer’s 56-day ban lifted by BHA disciplinary panel
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.
“It’s not been great. I’ve been going backwards and forwards to India the whole year and have had it hanging over me with the thought of not being able to earn a living with a young family.
“It has just been awful but with the help of Paul Struthers and the Professional Jockeys Association, as well as Graeme (McPherson, barrister) and Andrew (Chalk, solicitor) doing a great job, they have helped me through a tough time. I’ve said exactly the same thing on the day of the race, the day after and every day since that I didn’t do anything wrong. The filly was beaten because she didn’t run in a straight line, and the reason she didn’t run in a straight line was because there was something wrong with her. I’ve always defended my ride.
“I think my time in India has probably come to a close – I probably wouldn’t be welcomed back there anyway. It’s sad in a way because I’ve had some great times there.”
Struthers said jockeys should remain careful about deciding whether to ride in India. He said: “Our advice to them is that it’s not our job to tell our members what to do, but what we do say is to be very, very cautious who you are going to ride for, and if you are planning going out, we advise them to come and speak to us first”.
Last year Richard Hughes picked up a 50-day ban in India, although he was unsuccessful in his effort for non-reciprocation of the ban by the BHA. He said yesterday: “I’m happy for Martin, other than that, no comment.”
