Harringay case heard on Thursday

Timmy Murphy and Henrietta Knight will appear before a Jockey Club disciplinary panel on Thursday to appeal over the punishment they received regarding the running and riding of Harringay at Towcester earlier this month.

Murphy was suspended for 14 days, Knight fined £1000 (€1,470) and the horse banned for 40 days following the two-mile novice hurdle on November 3.

The course stewards ruled the mare had been “tenderly ridden” when beaten 13-and-a-half lengths into fifth place, a decision Knight and Murphy contested.

In their defence on the day, Murphy told the stewards his orders had been to take his time as the five-year-old had a history of wind problems and might struggle to get home.

He also reported she made a noise before three out so he let her get a second wind.

Knight confirmed this, saying the mare had a breathing operation over the summer and that she was satisfied with Murphy’s ride.

Prior to her Towcester run, Harringay had not raced since finishing eighth at Newbury in April and boasted one win from her six starts, which was on her debut in a bumper at Huntingdon in March last year.

Should Murphy be unsuccessful in his appeal, his suspension will start on Tuesday, November 29.