Six-day ban for Adrian Maguire

29 November 2001

Adrian Maguire remains one short of his 1,000th winner after receiving a six-day ban for improper riding

Jockey Adrian Maguire has been banned for six days after a whipping incident at Wetherby on Wednesday.

Adrian, riding the favourite Inching Closer, was fourth in a close finish to the novice hurdle won by Benbyas, partnered by J P McNamara.

As they pulled up Adrian shouted at J P, steered his mount over to him and struck his fellow rider across the back with his whip.

Inching Closer had been short of room in the closing stages as Benbyas drifted to his right. Adrian, frustrated at being one short of his 1,000th winner, appeared to let fly in the heat of the moment. Afterwards he refused to comment on the matter.

Both jockeys, who ride for Ferdy Murphy’s powerful North Yorkshire stable, played down the incident afterwards and were reported to have gone out to dinner together on Wednesday night.

The stewards took the view that Adrian had been guilty of improper riding and suspended him on December 7, 8 and 10-13 inclusive.

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