FROST FALLOUT, MURPHY’S FUTURE AND FEARS OVER BETTING
LAST YEAR was rocky for racing with the Bryony Frost bullying case, furore over the picture of trainer Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse, champion jockey Oisin Murphy failing a racecourse breathalyser test the day after he was involved in a fracas in a Newmarket pub and the perennial debate about the sport’s finances, further hit by Covid. But what will be top of the sport’s agenda in 2022?
BRYONY FALLOUT
WHETHER Robbie Dunne will appeal against the 18-month suspension he received from a BHA disciplinary panel for his harassment of and inappropriate behaviour towards Frost is likely to emerge in the next fortnight. He has seven days to make that decision once the BHA panel publish the written reasons for their ruling, something that was delayed by Christmas. The case, which raised questions about the culture within the weighing room as well as wellbeing and safeguarding, has spawned a commitment to implement a code of conduct by the spring.
THE WHIP DEBATE
ARGUABLY the most polarising topic in the sport, with some wanting the whip abolished and others furious that the rulemakers pander to outsiders. Potential rule changes will be placed before the BHA board in the first quarter of the year on the back of the 10-week consultation, which gathered over 2,000 responses from industry participants and the public.
OISIN MURPHY
CHAMPION Flat jockey Oisin Murphy (left) faces a significant ban, having been tested above permitted alcohol levels on a racecourse three times — twice last year. He also breached
BHA Covid protocols on an overseas trip, which most seriously included misleading a BHA investigator. The fact he gave up his licence on December 16 means any ban is likely to be backdated. More importantly, Murphy, who this time last year was serving a suspension after testing positive for cocaine while riding in France, needs to address issues that threaten to derail his talent. Having announced that he is seeking medical help, Murphy must make sure that is his priority, not winning a fourth title.
IRISH ON TOP
THE 2021 Cheltenham Festival was a greenwash with 23 of the 28 prizes heading to Ireland. You wouldn’t bet on the score being much different in March. Shishkin (Champion Chase) and Jonbon (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) are the only two British-trained favourites in the Festival’s 14 Grade One races. If the British get double figures over the four days, it will be a good week for them.
BETTING CHANGES
HOW would racing’s finances be affected if affordability checks are
introduced as part of the Government’s gambling review? Proposals that punters might have to hand over financial details like bank statements and pay slips generate fears people might be put off betting on the sport or be pushed into the black market That could cost levy £60million a year A white paper is promised soon Gambling minister Chris Phelps backs affordability checks but says they should be proportionate Racing will be hoping curbs focus on gaming and casino style games
ROYAL CHEER
THE Cazoo Derby on June 4 is officially part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend to celebrate 70 years on the throne It will be special if Her Majesty’s John and Thady Gosden-trained Reach For The Moon with Frankie Dettori on board makes it to the starting line He is currently 16-1 fourth favourite in ante-post betting