Gifford and Murphy appeal against Fontwell penalties

Racing Post Report. ...
by Turia Tellwright 13.11.2007


NICK GIFFORD and Timmy Murphy have decided to appeal against the non-trier penalties imposed by the Fontwell stewards last Friday, with the trainer saying the decision was "very, very harsh". The stewards were unhappy with the running and riding of Ashleys Petale in the mares' bumper. Gifford was fined £4,000, Murphy banned for 20 days and the filly banned from running for 40 days. "We have decided to appeal because we think that we have been fined towards the top end of the bracket. This seems very, very harsh on a filly who was having her first run," the trainer said. Ashleys Petale, a 7-1 shot, finished sixth of ten, beaten more than 25 lengths, having been in rear throughout the race. The stewards interviewed both jockey and trainer and Murphy stated that his instructions had been to get the filly settled and teach her to race. Gifford confirmed that the jockey had ridden the filly to instructions, adding that the filly was prone to be excitable and was not to be knocked about as he wanted her educated.

"I know it doesn't look good," he said on Monday. "I have been advised not to appeal against the finding of 'schooling' but we are otherwise hopeful. We have a very good track record and are hoping for some leniency." Murphy's suspension, from November 20 to December 9, includes the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. In September last year, Murphy was found guilty of breaking the same rule, 157(f), on the Peter Monteith-trained Touch Of Ivory. Consequently, his penalty this time was more severe. "I thought it was a lot for a 15 hands filly in a bumper, it is not as though we were trying to be clever or anything," said Murphy, who is being represented by Rory Mac Neice. "We will just see how we get on.” The appeal takes place at Shaftesbury Avenue to-morrow, Thursday November 15 2007. ENDS


TURFCALL takes issue over this dangerously harsh, cruel and ignorant ruling given by British horseracing regulation and governance parties (as now termed: The British Horseracing Authority) in the way that they are literally attempting to destroy the very fabric and makeup of true professional horsemanship standards, sacrosanct, to all true professional horsemen and horsewomen within British horseracing. Why? To suit only the punter? Is this what the BHA believe that the punter wishes to be going on? Or Seb and Leona Sanders beautiful little daughter Darcy left to grow up to witness?


FONTWELL STEWARDS Each and every steward inclusive of stipendiary, supposedly acting at Fontwell on November 9 2007 who called into question the running and riding of “ASHLEYS PETALE” debut on the race track. Culminating in their decision to enforce such unbelievable punishments, now need to be suspended from all further duties with immediate effect, and sent for correction tuition for as long as it takes, to the British Racing School. IF after this they still fail to grasp fully the serious mistakes they have made, removed completely from office.

The British Rules of Racing need to be changed to ensure that all true professional horsemen and horsewomen are not condemned and exploited for the high standard of expertise achieved through hard graft and endeavour.


REMINDERS:
A recent quote from Henrietta Knight: “It takes years to produce a top racehorse, but only seconds to destroy one.”

What sort of advice is this? The Burnham Report commissioned by the British Horseracing Board, this must be the most desperate, dangerous and ignorant advice ever given to all British trainer, that they employ superstore shelf stackers to come in part time, to handle and ride out the thoroughbred racehorses placed in training by owners, to be paid the minimum wage?

Fontwell Stewards:
W Tufnell, JJ Aird, Mrs J Cavandish, A Wates, P Scoulier, R Alwen, CK Price, CS Hall, RAC Corbett, J Paxman. Stipediary Stewards PD Barton, TK Brennan.

ENDS: