The big fight ~ Murphy v Elsworth ~

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Stewards talk to jockey Elsworth

Dominic Elsworth was interviewed by the Newbury stewards on Saturday to investigate reports of an altercation between him and Timmy Murphy in the jockeys' changing room on Friday.
The British Horseracing Authority looked into the circumstances surrounding a shoulder injury sustained by Murphy after further information had come to light.

The stewards called Elsworth, Professional Jockeys' Association chief executive Paul Struthers and jockeys' valet Chris Maude. They were unable to interview Murphy, who was not at the track as a result of his injuries.

Having heard their evidence, they adjourned the inquiry to Wincanton on Thursday.

Murphy was taken to hospital for X-rays on his shoulder midway through Friday's card, although the reason for the injury was unclear at the time as he was seen walking away from the weighing room in some apparent pain before being helped into an ambulance.

Murphy had guided Upsilon Bleu to finish fourth in the bet365 Open Handicap Chase, but returned seemingly none the worse. Elsworth also took part in the race, finishing second on Easter Meteor and an altercation is believed to have taken place afterwards as the result of an event during the race.

While the Newbury stewards received no report of an incident on the day, BHA officials looked into matters further on Saturday and chose to launch a formal hearing.

Murphy was unable to take the ride on the fancied Our Father in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Conor O'Farrell took over on David Pipe's charge, but the gambled-on 11/2 favourite could only finish seventh behind Triolo D'Alene.


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Timmy Murphy handed nine-day ban

Timmy Murphy has been suspended for nine days following his altercation with fellow jockey Dominic Elsworth at Newbury last week.
Timmy Murphy: Banned

Murphy left the track with a dislocated shoulder on Friday and it was later discovered he had been involved in a scuffle in the weighing room.

Grand National winner Murphy had to give up the ride on Our Father in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup and both jockeys were asked to attend an inquiry at Wincanton on Thursday.

Stewards interviewed Murphy, Elsworth, Professional Jockeys' Association chief executive Paul Struthers and valet Chris Maude and found that Murphy was the instigator and main protagonist in the altercation.

The stewards also found Murphy had suffered a dislocation of his shoulder as a result of having to be restrained by Maude.

Murphy will miss the key action over the Christmas period, having been suspended December 19-22 and 26-30.

Stipendiary steward Paul Barton said: "On the Friday evening we knew Timmy Murphy had to go to hospital but we didn't know why, although overnight it clearly became obvious something had happened.

"We opened an inquiry into the alleged incident, and spoke to Paul Struthers, Chris Maude the valet and Dominic Elsworth to get their version of events. Timmy Murphy wasn't there and the earliest we could hold the inquiry was today.

"Timmy Murphy has confirmed there were two incididents in the changing room, both of which were instigated by him. He admitted instigating them, and apologised to Dominic Elsworth.

"The second incident happened probably not long after the first one, and Timmy Murphy's shoulder was injured when he was restrained by the valet.

"In the rules, the penalties can range from one to 21 days, with an entry point of four. There were two incidents, and it has been aggregated up. It could have been far higher but he is mitigated slightly as he did admit it, and apologised as soon as he could."

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