Trio fall foul of 'team tactics' rule

Sep 25 2008

Aidan O'Brien, Johnny Murtagh and Colm O'Donoghue have all been found guilty of breaching the rules of racing in relation to the Juddmonte International Stakes won by Duke Of Marmalade at Newmarket last month.

O'Donoghue pleaded guilty to a breach of the 'team tactics' rules in that he made a manoeuvre in a race in the interest of another horse in common ownership.

The panel found Murtagh in breach of Rule 220 (iii) in that he acted in a manner prejudicial to the proper conduct of racing, while the panel ruled that O'Brien failed to give adequate instructions concerning the rules of racing.

The Ballydoyle trio appeared at a BHA disciplinary panel hearing to answer charges relating to O'Donoghue's manoeuvre aboard Red Rock Canyon in the final four furlongs of the Group One event. The jockey moved the pace-setting Red Rock Canyon away from the rail allowing Murtagh on Duke Of Marmalade a clear run.