Jockey Eddie O’Connell banned for four years

Jockey Eddie O’Connell has been disqualified from riding for four years by the Turf Club after a long-running investigation into betting on a horse in a race at Downpatrick almost three years ago.

In a landmark case, the most severe punishment handed out to a jockey by Irish racing’s regulatory body in modern times was issued to O’Connell at Turf Club HQ today.

O'Connell rode Yachvilli at Downpatrick in September of 2011 after which online 'lay' bets were brought to the attention of the Turf Club by the internet betting company, Betfair.

Yachvilli's trainer James Lambe was today cleared of all charges but O'Connell was found to be in breach of two rules and was banned for four years. He has seven days in which he can appeal the penalties which also include having to pay €10,000 towards Turf Club costs relating to their investigation.

Last month both O'Connell and Lambe failed in a High Court legal challenge to the Turf Club over the enforcement of the rules of racing. Their action was aimed at preventing the Turf Club from making adverse finding against them over allegations they were involved in irregular betting.