Joseph O’Brien locked under a four-day-ban with Irish 2000 Guineas at risk
The eighteen-year-old jockey, Joseph O’Brien, son of the master and hall mark trainer A. P. O’Brien was busy crediting some very important races against his name as he came across picking a four-day suspension at the Chester meeting. The ban extends from 23rd May to the 26th and the final suspension day marks the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.
He fell victim to the ban after parking Betterbetterbetter second in the Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks on 9th May at Chester over a mile and three and a half furlong. He was accused of using the whip more than the number that is allowed by the British Horse Racing Authority.
The race that brought good luck for the winning trainer Mark Johnston and the jockey Franny Norton while turning out to be a red flag for Joseph O’Brien. Good Morning Star was the last horse who was expected to win while her ride was able to bag back to back races, this one being the second.
The young jockey very recently claimed the very first English Classic, the Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes on 5th May at Newmarket over a mile. He guided the 15/8 favourite of the race, Camelot, meticulously and reeled in for the wire with the runner up just at a mere neck’s margin.
His enviable record also included settling Maybe second in the Qipco 1000 Guineas which was won by the stable mate, Homecoming Queen.
With the Irish Classic just round the corner there were rumors in the air referring to the most celebrated jockey as the leading rider for the Triple Crown.
At least for now those expectations will have to be put aside as his very crucial days have become overshadowed by the Chester’s ban.
It is still not the end of the world for the much accomplished jockey as there is a possibility of relaxation of rules when it comes to the Group 1 meetings. The days for the ban can be renegotiated with the British Horse Racing Authority with giving the Joseph O’Brien enough provision for racing at Curragh on 26th May and putting on the compensatory ban later.
How the things will work out for the son of the hall mark trainer will not take long to come out in the open.
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