Jockey banned from racing by stewards after complaining about the ground in unusual move

Racecourse stewards banned a jockey from competing after he complained about the condition of the track. Antioco "Co Co" Murgia had been unhappy with the turf at Belterra Park since the summer, according to his agent Mike Secen.

In an unusual move, the Ohio circuit's officials made a ruling which prevented Murgia from taking his mounts on October 6. “After talking to Mr Murgia and considering his strong opinions about the turf course, the board of stewards believe Mr Murgia would not be able to give his best effort to mounts he rides over the surface," it read.

“To protect the betting public, as well as the safety of other jockeys and horses in the race, the board of stewards will remove Antioco Murgia from all turf races for the remainder of the meet.”

It's said that Murgia, who has ridden 178 winners from 1,741 career appearances, started to be concerned about Belterra Park in July and stood himself down for several weeks on safety grounds.

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Secen told Paulick Report that one of his client's mounts became unbalanced in a race and did not pull up like it usually would.

Turf action had been cancelled at Belterra Park on several occasions during the summer, including on August 2, when a post appeared on the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA)'s website, which represents nearly 2,500 thoroughbred owners and trainers in the region. It said: “Management has made the decision to take the races off the turf tomorrow Saturday, August 2nd.

“Management made the decision to take the races off the turf today at approximately 11:30am after Racing Manager Ashley Holliday walked the turf course with two jockeys and an owner.

“The Ohio HBPA was not asked to participate in this walking of the turf course and was not part of the decision to take the races off the turf and were informed only AFTER the decision was made today.”

Ohio State Racing Commission deputy director Tanya Boulmetis said: “All racing in Ohio over which the commission has jurisdiction and supervision will be conducted under the rules and regulations which the commission has set forth for such racing. If any case occurs which is not provided for in the rules of the Ohio State Racing Commission, the matter will be determined by the stewards, judges, or the commission, as the case may be.”

Earlier in his career, Murgia rode in Britain and was a 5lb claimer when he partnered subsequent Lockinge and Champion Stakes hero Farhh to a six-length victory in the Thirsk Hunt Cup for trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Originally from Sardinia, the jockey went over to America 12 years ago and scored on all five of his horses on a card at Belterra in 2016.

The decision comes two months after the track's stewards suspended rider Albin Jimenez for one year after he lost on a favourite. Afleet Vintage at 3-5f went backwards as the runners headed for the home turn and was seen making late headway for second.