Paul Struthers. Miscarriage of justice suggested
Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association, said on Saturday that any jockey thinking of riding in India this winter should “be very cautious indeed about who they are riding for,” and should “contact the PJA before making a decision about going out there”.
Speaking to The Guardian, Struthers issued the advice after Martin Dwyer secured only a partial victory in his fight against a long riding ban imposed by stewards at Mahalxmi racecourse in Mumbai in February.
Dwyer’s mount Ice Age, a well-backed favourite, finished a close third after drifting across the course in the closing stages.
Dwyer’s initial suspension was for 56 days, but this was increased to eight months when he appealed against the decision last month.
A further appeal heard on Saturday has re-instated the 56-day penalty, but Dwyer hopes to persuade the British Horseracing Authority not to reciprocate the suspension, which is due to start on Monday.
“Whilst Martin is relieved not to be facing eight months off, he is both bitterly disappointed and immensely frustrated by today’s proceedings,” Struthers said, “and there can be little doubt that he hasn’t had a fair hearing. His grounds of appeal were very strong and it is our view that no fair and reasonable panel could have found against them.”
