Greg Fairley was warned off for 12 years in 2011 after a BHA disciplinary panel discovered him responsible of not driving The Staffy on his deserves in March 2009.
Greg Fairley, pictured at Bathtub in October 2007 (Picture: David Dew)
Greg Fairley, the 2007 champion apprentice who was banned for 12 years for stopping a horse and sharing privileged data, is is ready to make a contentious return to horse racing. As soon as thought of one of many rising stars of Flat racing, Fairley rode 381 winners in Britain and tasted top-level success when Girl Jane Digby, skilled by his former boss Mark Johnston, gained a Group 1 race in Germany in 2010.
Nonetheless, the Scottish jockey was expelled from the game in shame in December 2011 after a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel discovered him responsible of not driving The Staffy to his full potential at Wolverhampton in March 2009. The panel additionally handed down a 12-year ban to jockey Paul Doe, whereas Kirsty Milczarek obtained a two-year suspension and Jimmy Quinn was sidelined for six months. Moreover, Fairley was discovered responsible of sharing privileged data for private acquire.
Now aged 37, Fairley has been working as a tree surgeon throughout his interval of exclusion however began driving work for coach Sandy Thomson in 2021.
His path again to race-riding has been paved following a profitable utility for the reinstatement of his jockey’s licence. “We’re happy that Mr Fairley is now an individual who will be trusted,” concluded the licensing committee, admitting that the case was “very troublesome to find out”.
“We are inclined to the view that, given his expertise during the last 12-13 years, he’s unlikely ever to have interaction in dishonest or corrupt behaviour once more and unlikely to breach any integrity Guidelines,” it added.
Charlie Johnston, who took over from his father at Kingsley Park Stables in Middleham in 2023, has thrown his assist behind Fairley’s profession resurgence.
Greg Fairley in 2010 – a 12 months earlier than he was banned (Picture: PA)
“I used to be at college on the time it occurred,” he recalled, “however he was a giant a part of the crew. The 12 months he was champion apprentice, Joe [Fanning] had a foul fall at Superb Goodwood and missed the remainder of the season.
“Greg received thrust into taking a big proportion of the experience, together with at Group stage, although he was nonetheless a claimer. He was a gifted jockey. His misdemeanours had been on horses not related to us and I am certain he regrets taking place that path.
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“However he is served a protracted and hard sentence and truthful play to him for having the braveness to attempt to come again. He phoned final night time and stated, ‘That is going to be hitting the press, and I wished you and Mark to know earlier than it got here out.’
“I am certain there will likely be some homeowners who’re nonetheless within the yard who had some success with him in years passed by. He will should rebuild these relationships however I am certain he’ll work exhausting at that.”
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