Knight and Murphy appeal
Henrietta Knight and Timmy Murphy are both to appeal against the punishments they received over the running and riding of Harringay at Towcester.
The trainer was fined £1,000 (€1,481), the jockey banned for 14 days and the horse prevented from running for 40 days following the two-mile novice hurdle.
The local stewards ruled the mare had been “tenderly ridden“, the 9-4 shot finishing fifth, beaten 13 and a half lengths by the winner.
“I am going to appeal. It’s in the hands of my solicitor and he’s going to lodge it,” said Knight.
“Nothing has changed in my mind since yesterday.”
The Wantage stable is still coming to terms with the loss of triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate following a suspected heart attack at Exeter on Tuesday.
“It’s the last straw in a trying week,” she said yesterday and pointed to the fact that Harringay has a history of well-documented wind problems.
The five-year-old is set to be out longer than the length of the ban (November 8 to December 17) to receive treatment.
Murphy lodged his appeal earlier today after consulting solicitor, former jockey Rory Mac Niece.
He said: “I have seen a re-run of the race and I stick by what I said yesterday. The horse has breathing problems and was choking. I did what I thought was best for the horse,” said Murphy.
“I have spoken with Rory Mac Niece and he will represent me.”
Any hearing will have to take place before Murphy’s suspension, which is due to start on November 14.
Should the ban stand then Murphy would miss the Betfair Chase at Haydock as well as the Hennessy meeting at Newbury.
