JP McManus is going to need a new jockey for this month’s Punchestown festival.
That’s after his number one Barry Geraghty was hit with a massive 30-day ban for a ride at Limerick on Sunday afternoon, that will see him miss the action later this month.
The jockey, who is the retained rider for JP McManus, was banned for his efforts on-board Noble Emperor in the second race of the afternoon at the track.
The race was won by Barry Cash and Velocity Boy, but afterwards, stewards asked all jockeys, except Cash, to explain how the horse was allowed win by 11 lengths.
Geraghty came home second, and after the discussion, was informed by stewards that he would be banned from April 17th for 30 days, under rule Rule 212, which governs running and riding.
The month-long ban also sees the horse prevented from running for 60 days, and trainer Tony Martin fined €3,000.
The horse did lose a shoe, but after the race was found to be post-normal.
Geraghty is likely to appeal the ban with racegoers shocked by the severity of the penalty
https://twitter.com/Ui_Maine/status/716658174317690880
Although many race fans were left annoyed by his efforts.
Worst ride I've ever witnessed there by Barry Geraghty on Noble Emperor! 🏇
— Ryan Hulme (@RyanHulme77) April 3, 2016
If id backed noble emperor at Limerick there id be wanting to know why Geraghty never tried an inch to win that race
— Pete Inverleigh Ger Lyons (@ph_hodge91) April 3, 2016
Barry Geraghty handed a 30 day ban. Yikes… However sounds like it was deserved for his ride on Noble Emperor
— Doyler (@AnonymousSean88) April 3, 2016
