• Horse Racing

Jockey Ahern loses ban appeal

ESPN staff
July 30, 2013
Eddie Ahern was punished for breaching anti-corruption rules © Getty Images
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Jockey Eddie Ahern has failed in his appeal against a 10-year disqualification from riding, the British Horseracing Authority has confirmed.

In a BHA corruption meeting in May, Ahern was found guilty of breaching anti-corruption rules along with former West Bromich Albion defender Neil Clement.

Group-one winning jockey Ahern was punished for breaking the rules in five of his races between September 2010 and February 2011. Evidence showed Ahern to have texted or called Clement 265 times over the period with Clement returning the favour 163 times up until November 2011.

The most serious breach against Ahern, 35, was his failure to ride Judgethemoment on its merits during a two-mile handicap race at Lingfield in January 2011. The gelding finished last of seven runners, despite being well in front at the half way stage.

Ahern had given the explanation that he had misjudged the pace and did not realise he was so far ahead, but the BHA disciplinary panel said it "could not accept that a jockey of Ahern's experience, especially on the all-weather track at Lingfield, could have made an error of such extent".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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