Carberry to consider ban appeal

Paul Carberry will consider whether to launch an appeal after he was banned for 30 race days in Ireland.

Carberry was today suspended by a referrals committee of the Irish Turf Club for failing a breath test at Naas on October 31. He was also fined €5,000.

It was Carberry’s second such offence.

Carberry was represented by Andrew Coonan, of Coonan Cawley Solicitors of Naas, who said the rider will now assess whether to appeal the length of the suspension.

Coonan said: “At this stage, Paul wishes to reflect and consider the decision. He has a period of seven days in which he can appeal, should he wish to do so. This is a decision which I will discuss with him.”

The National Hunt jockey is banned from November 25 until January 24.

The first meeting Carberry will be available to ride at upon his return is at Thurles on January 28.

A press release issued by the Irish Turf Club read: “Having considered the evidence, the committee noted the seriousness of the offence and the fact that it was Mr Carberry’s second such offence.

“In arriving at their decision the referrals committee was also conscious of their role in ensuring the continued safety of racing, which inherently contains dangers.

“They took into account assurances given by Mr Carberry’s solicitor in relation to certain matters.

“Having taken everything into consideration, the committee fined Paul Carberry €5,000 and suspended him for 30 race days.”

The case was presented by Conal Boyce of Wilkinson & Price Solicitors of Naas.

Carberry is stable jockey for trainer Noel Meade, who feels the length of the suspension is severe.

“It seems pretty harsh, especially as it’s during the time of the best Irish racing in January,” said the Co Meath handler. “We’ll just have to work our way around it.”