Dubai World Cup draws
March 26, 2014An audience of millions
March 27, 2014THE British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will seek to identify a mystery object handled by jockey Johnny Murtagh in the aftermath of Sole Power winning last year’s King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. (scroll down for photos, taken from Youtube).
Murtagh appears to exchange the object with Sarah Lynam, daughter of winning trainer Eddie Lynam amid the joyous celebrations in the winner’s enclosure after Sole Power’s triumph at the summer’s most prestigious meeting.
It has been caught on film and posted on the online site YouTube.
The footage was taken after Sole Power finished strongly to beat Shea Shea a neck in the Group One sprint.
The video appears to have been sourced in America where racing has been hit by a number of cases where jockeys have been accused of using electrical devices designed to shock their mounts into running faster.
Johnny Murtagh: “I have nothing to hide.”
Both Murtagh and Lynam were last night unable to say what the object was but both vehemently denied they had done anything against the rules.
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: ‘The BHA are aware of the piece of footage in relation to the King’s Stand Stakes and are in the process of obtaining further information in relation to the issue.’
Murtagh, now concentrating on his training career, said: ‘I have nothing to hide but I just don’t want to speak about it for a couple of days until I have spoken to a few people.’
Sole Power is due to run in the Al Quoz Sprint at Dubai’s World Cup meeting on Saturday.
Lynam pointed out that Sole Power, one of the most consistent sprinters in recent years, produced a performance at Ascot in keeping with his form from previous clashes with Shea Shea.
The Irish trainer added: ‘My daughter has been to Australia and back since. I asked her to rack her brains about what actually happened but she doesn’t remember anything. The poor girl is mortified.
‘Johnny Murtagh’s and Eddie Lynam’s integrity is 100 per cent. We have never done anything wrong. Someone has come up with this and the BHA, for whatever reason, have decided to look into it.
‘But that is what they are there for so let them look into it. We have no problems speaking to them.’
Trainer Alan Jarvis has had his application for a full licence rejected by the BHA. Jarvis was declared bankrupt in September over a debt owed to Doncaster Bloodstock sales. He can operate under a temporary licence. – Article by MARCUS TOWNEND, originally published on the UK’s Mail Online.
King’s Sand Stakes, 2013: Winner’s enclosure.
Johnny Murtagh has unsaddled Sole Power and walks up to Sarah Lynam (out of picture)
The lady reaches out and appears to open her hand – it could well be a for a congratulatory shake, though the jock’s hand seems balled.
Johnny needs to weigh in: Pleasantries are briefly exchanged.
Life is full of optical illusions, but it appears there is an object between Sarah’s thumb and forefinger. At a glance it looks like a cigarette lighter.
Sarah sidles off as Johnny is swarmed by Top Hats.
2 Comments
The lawyer Barry Roux is needed here!
I’ve watched the video amongst a lot of people in racing circles, he is guilty as sin! He must get warned off!
Forum Disclaimer
User Discussion Lists and Forums
The Operators may, but are not obligated to, monitor or review any areas on the website where users transmit or post communications or communicate solely with each other, including but not limited to user forums and email lists, and the content of any such communications. The Operators, however, will have no liability related to the content of any such communications, whether or not arising under the laws of copyright, libel, privacy, obscenity, or otherwise. The Operators may edit or remove content on the the website at their discretion at any time.
Full Website Disclaimer here