Apprentice jockey suspended for dishonesty

A Brisbane based apprentice jockey has been suspended for a month for attempting to deceive the Clerk of Scales at a race meeting in Townsville.

On Sunday, 27 October apprentice Jockey Michael Murphy pleaded guilty to breaching AR 229 (1)(a) in that he engaged in dishonest, corrupt, fraudulent, improper or dishonourable action or practice in connection with racing.

Mr Murphy attempted to deceive the Clerk of Scales by resting his fingers on the scales to weigh out in an attempt to make his allocated weight just prior to Townsville race 2 on Sunday. Stewards called on the apprentice jockey to re-weigh again and he was found to be 3.5 kilos over his allocated weight.

Mr Murphy’s mount Seamad, was declared a late scratching after another suitable rider could not be found. As a result of his actions the apprentice jockey was replaced in another three races at the Townsville meeting.

ENDS

Media contact: Vincene Overs 0472 842 346