Jockey Bother

It is a quieter day on the racing front today with just three flat meetings at Nottingham, Hamilton and Lingfield.  The stable does not have any runners.

There was a lot of controversy yesterday about Oisin Murphy not turning up at Kempton for his five rides when due to provide a breath sample.  I know he has had his issues in the past with drugs and alcohol but there is nothing like making up a story to grab the headlines before knowing all the facts!  I do feel rather sorry for him but as with a lot of people that make mistakes in life, they tend to haunt you forever.  The reason for Murphy’s absence was reported by the stewards to the BHA as him being ‘unwell’.   Murphy was then forced to tell the World that he had haemorrhoids to 'clear' his name, a common problem but least you don’t have usually tell anyone about your personal problems – I do feel rather sorry for him.  He is due to be back riding today.  I just feel the matter could have been dealt with so much better.

Another jockey in a bit of hot water yesterday was young apprentice, Jack Doughty.  He is currently leading the apprentice title race with 24 winners, two more than Sean D Bowen before last night’s action but he has been given a 20 day whip ban.  Six of these days have been deferred but the ban is for multiple counts of overuse of the whip.  He broke the six limit four times within six months and he will be off from August 15^th to 28^th inclusive.  The young jockey says he will learn from his mistakes and is hoping to still challenge to the apprentice title on his return. 

In last night’s Cricket Hundred match between Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets.  The Rockets won the women’s match while the Phoenix won the men’s.  Today we have the Northern Superchargers against London Spirit.

Your fingers have fingertips but your toes don’t have toetips, yet you can tiptoe but not tipfinger!

Have a great day!