Kerry jockey Oisín Murphy has been referred to the BHA of his use of the whip at Newmarket
Oisín Murphy has been referred to the British Horseracing Authority after he was found to have used the whip above the permitted level aboard Gladius at Newmarket on Saturday. The soon-to-be-crowned five-time champion jockey was partnering the Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old in the Darley Stakes on the Rowley Mile, with the son of Night Of Thunder sent off the 15/8 favourite. He was beaten three-quarters of a length into second by 2/1 shot Damysus in the Group Three contest and Murphy’s ride was considered by the Whip Review Committee, which found the Killarney native used his whip once above the permitted level of six from one and a half furlongs out.
However, as this was to be Murphy’s fourth suspension within the previous six months for using his whip above the permitted level, his penalty will be decided at a later date by the BHA judicial panel. The BHA’s note on penalties on its website says that when considering a referral the judicial panel “shall impose a suspension of between 14 days – four months with an entry point of 28 days”.