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"The finger is always pointed at the jockeys" - Paul Townend reacts to ban

A number of jockeys were handed bans after an incident at the Galway Races.

[Paul Townend]

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Paul Townend(Image: INPHO/Tom Maher)

Paul Townend has come out in defence of the 15 jockeys that were handed bans after an issue at the starting line during the Galway Races.

Townend was one of a number of high profile jockeys including Harry Cobden and Jack Kennedy handed one day suspensions after it took three attempts for Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase to get underway on Friday evening.

In total, 15 jockeys were handed bans for breaching rule 208 (Not following starters instructions), with some receiving one day suspensions and others being slapped with a two-day suspension.

Speaking the following day at the Festival, Townend told TV reporters that the jockeys were harshly done by.

We dont know as much as anyone whats happening down there, just the inconsistency in the starts at the moment isnt good for anyone," said Townend.

It isnt helping anyone.

The finger is always pointed at the jockeys but we were coming in a nice straight line when we were told to ease.

We were suspended for it, we were probably coming faster two days before that in the big races and were let go.

If you take a pull, youre left at the start. If you go, youre getting penalised.

I dont know, it just seems to be the finger is always being pointed at the jockey.

The 35-year-old hinted that he may appeal the suspension.

The stewards raceday report on the incident reads as follows:

6.00 Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap

The IHRB stewards report said: The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders' first approach to the starter involving Jalila Moriviere (FR), ridden by S.D. Torrens, Ballybawn Belter, ridden by H. Cobden, Intense Approach (GB), ridden by A. Harvey, Kings Hill, ridden by J.J. Slevin, Yoradreamer (GB), ridden by D.E. Mullins, Moonovercloon, ridden by Michael Kenneally, A Penny A Hundred (FR), ridden by B. Hayes, Shanbally Kid, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, Rising Dust, ridden by D. Meyler, Where's My Jet, ridden by P. Townend, Hermino Aa (FR), ridden by T. Joseph Kelly, Warriors Wood (GB), ridden by Kevin Healy, Antrim Coast, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, Rexem, ridden by Josh Williamson, and Charlie Luciano, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh where it appeared all riders were cantering before the starter had raised his flag.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found all riders were in breach of Rule 208, in that they had not obeyed the starters instructions, and having considered the records of all riders in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended S. D. Torrens, H. Cobden, A. Harvey, J. J. Slevin, D. E. Mullins, M. J. Kenneally, B. Hayes, J W. Kennedy, D. Meyler, P. Townend, T. Joseph Kelly, D. J. O'Keeffe and C. Stone Walsh for one race day and Kevin Healy and Josh Williamson for two racedays each.

Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards also wished to interview P. M. O'Brien regarding the matter but in light of his absence the Raceday Stewards referred the matter on to a senior racing official for further investigation.

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