English jockey Martin Dwyer has apparently had an eight-week suspension increased to eight months by Indian stewards although he is yet to hear from authorities.
Dwyer finished a close third on market leader Ice Age in division one of the Ice Magic Plate at Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai on February 17, prompting an angry response from racegoers.
A head-on video of the race showed Ice Age appearing to drift towards the rail in the closing stages, bumping the eventual runner-up and causing Dwyer to snatch up his mount.
The RWITC stewards called an inquiry and announced the horse was to be deemed a non-starter, with all bets refunded.
Dwyer, who said he felt he did not have a fair hearing at the initial inquiry where he received the eight-week ban, returned to India in April for an appeal but found the matter being referred back to the stewards for further investigation.
“I’ve been told it has been taken up to seven months, but I have had no official notification through as it has only just happened,” Dwyer said.
“I can’t really comment much further, other than saying I will definitely be appealing.
“I am a bit confused at this stage, and either way it is not good news.
“All I can do now is wait for the official notification and see what the reasons are.”
At the time, Dwyer suggested his mount was not moving correctly and suffered a nosebleed.
The original ban was due to run from April 6 to May 31 this year. The new dates are reported to be August 31 to April 30 next year.
A further appeal hearing scheduled for June was postponed.
