Irish jockey Barry Geraghty has been banned for 30 days following his ride on Noble Emperor this afternoon at Limerick. Despite going off as the 7-4 favourite, Noble Emperor finished second behind Velocity Bay (2-1). Geraghty has been banned on the grounds that he did not allow Noble Emperor to race to its full potential.
Following the race, all of the losing jockeys were asked to explain why Velocity Bay had such a huge lead by the end of the race. Following the questioning, Geraghty has been banned for a massive 30 days, which will see him miss the Punchestown festival as it is due to begin on April 17. In addition, the horse will not be permitted to race for 60 days, and trainer Tony Martin has been fined €3,000.
Afterwards, Geraghty declined to comment beyond expressing his shock at the decision. He will likely appeal.
Wow! Huge story from Ireland, Barry Geraghty banned for 30 days, misses Punchestown under 'non trust ' rules.
— John Hunt (@HuntyCaller) April 3, 2016
