Jason Maguire to appeal against his 10-day ban: Horse Racing news
Jockey Jason Maguire has been banned for 10 days by the Wetherby stewards after they alleged him of taking the wrong course during the three mile and one furlong handicap chase that took place at the Wetherby racecourse on Sunday.
The jockey confirmed that he would appeal against his 10-day ban on Monday, after he was handed over the suspension letter on Sunday. Maguire is the current Grand National winning jockey.
However, he is not the only jockey who was suspended because of taking the wrong course. Paul Gallagher, another Grand National winner, has also been banned. It has been revealed that both the jockeys took the wrong side on the track, where the rail for
the start of the two mile and four furlong race was marked, after the pair passed the second fence of the back straight aboard their mounts.
The incident took place when jockey Harry Haynes, who suffered a fall on the other circuit, was being assessed by the medical staff at the racecourse.
Maguire said that he thought it was necessary for him to continue on the course which he followed in order to avoid further hurting the injured jockey.
Maguire said, "I don't think the stewards took into account why I went the wrong side. It is a lot easier when you're in behind and have more time to see what is happening, but I was at the front and had to make a split-second decision."
It is for that reason that he consulted with solicitor Rory Mac Neice along with the chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association (PJA) Kevin Darley. After detailed discussions with both men, he decided to launch an appeal against the ban.
When Jason Maguire was approached by reporters regarding his suspension and subsequent appeal, he told them, “I decided on the day to take what was given, but after speaking to Kevin and Rory I’m going to make an appeal. They feel strongly that this is not
a straightforward case.”
The jockey further defended himself by saying that the injured jockey Harry Haynes was not on the right side of the fence, but was rather just near the doll.
The suspension has ruled Maguire out of the Haydock’s Swinton Hurdle meeting which is scheduled to take place on 7th May, 2011.
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