Andrew Balding pledges ongoing support for Oisin Murphy
He later issued a statement apologising for his actions, saying 'there is no excuse for what I did', while the British Horseracing Authority confirmed he is free to continue riding amid plans to place new conditions on his licence.
Balding, who has a long and successful association with Murphy, enjoyed a Friday treble at Sandown, from where he told Racing TV: 'He'd made them (details of the case) known in advance, but obviously we were hoping that what we were hearing was accurate and that was the case.
'Obviously it's not an ideal situation for him or for us or for anyone really, but I really hope that we can take this as a point to move forward and I know he'll be working closely with the BHA and we'll be giving him all the help and support we can to try to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.'
Murphy travelled to America to partner former Balding inmate New Century in the Belmont Derby at Saratoga on Friday night, but is scheduled to be back in action in Britain on Saturday for seven rides at Sandown, including Charlie Appleby's 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court in the Coral-Eclipse and three booked mounts for the Balding team.
When asked if he would continue to support Murphy, the trainer added: 'Yes, of course. Everyone makes mistakes, but I think as long as there's an intent to improve going forward, we're all behind him.
'It's for the regulator to put in what they want to see going forward and let them deal with it.
'We have (had a long, professional relationship with Murphy) and we expect higher standards than that. It was a very unfortunate incident and I hope that's the end of it.'
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He shapes like a strong stayer on handicap debut' – Templegate's Saturday NAP can exploit his mark
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'He shapes like a strong stayer on handicap debut' – Templegate's Saturday NAP can exploit his mark Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE tackles Saturday's racing - including the brilliant Coral-Eclipse from Sandown live on ITV1 at 3.35pm - confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up VALIANCY (2.05 Haydock, nap) He looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. GREEK ORDER (2.25 Sandown, nb) He was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. SIR LOWRY'S PASS (3.15 Haydock, treble) He has more to come over this distance with an excellent Goodwood win before getting no luck at Redcar last time. Moving up to this distance can pay further dividends. Templegate's TV verdicts SANDOWN 1.50 SHE'S QUALITY is living up to her name after two mighty efforts in Group sprints this season. She chased home Rumstar in the Palace House at HQ and went down by just half a length in the Temple Stakes. She's tactically versatile, handles any going and the stiff 5f here could suit ideally. She's ready to strike at this level and gets the nod. Kerdos wasn't helped by getting loose before the King Charles III at Royal Ascot, but still ran a blinder, finishing first of the far-side group and beaten only two lengths. He drops in grade here and should go very close. Rumstar beat the tip in the Palace House and has been unlucky twice since, both times poorly drawn. He's proven in this grade and can't be discounted. Balmoral Lady is an improver from the Ed Walker yard. She won a Listed event at Haydock in May and outran her odds at Ascot, shaping well. Another live one. West Acre didn't get the run of the race at the Royal meeting and likes this trip, while Adrestia took a hot Ascot handicap last time and isn't out of place in this grade. 2.25 GREEK ORDER was a major eyecatcher when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, finishing strongly behind impressive winner My Cloud and shaping like a Group-class performer in a handicap. That was his first run for Michael Bell after returning from the US and confirmed he retains all his ability. The stiffer mile at Sandown should suit him ideally and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. Treasure Time is feared most. He's been off since last September but won twice last season and represents the powerful William Haggas yard. He stays strongly, travels well and has won fresh before – this track could bring out even more. Classic Encounter is also on the upgrade and comes here on the back of a gritty win at York. He's not flashy but is tough and improving. Classic goes well at Sandown and has hit the frame here last time when second in a tactical race. A repeat of that puts him in the hunt. Arisaig could be pick of the bigger prices after being snookered by the draw at Royal Ascot last time. 3.00 SUPERMODEL is sitting pretty for William Haggas. She is bred to excel over middle distances but has also shown a potent turn of foot over shorter in two emphatic wins in her brief career. She cruised home in a Nottingham handicap on reappearance, forging clear late with plenty in hand and was value for a lot more. The stiff Sandown mile and likely strong pace are ideal and she's open to stacks of improvement. Miss Tonnerre looks a major danger. She chased home high-class fillies as a juvenile, including in the Group 2 May Hill at Donny and her pedigree suggests she'll be better as a three-year-old. She's entitled to come on plenty for last month's return in the Musidora and dropping back in trip can help. Much of the market attention centres on Blue Bolt, who has won her last two with ease. She's clearly talented but takes on stronger rivals here and is a little skinny in the market. Cajole has Ryan Moore up for the Gosdens and she improved plenty when second in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot. She didn't get the clearest of runs there and looks up to this standard. Victory Queen is going the right way and has place claims too. 3.35 OMBUDSMAN may be a short price but he's mighty hard to beat in the Coral-Eclipse. This powerhouse from the Gosden yard confirmed himself as a serious Group 1 performer at Royal Ascot, where he stormed through late to land the Prince of Wales's Stakes in some style. He was short of room at a key moment but still quickened like a jet once clear, brushing aside his rivals with ease. He's looked a monster in the making all year and this could be his coronation. The only thing that could derail him is a messy race in this small field. There's no obvious front-runner and a slowly-run race wouldn't be ideal – but William Buick has options. Ombudsman stays 1m2f well, has a sharp turn of foot and acts on any ground. French raider Sosie will keep him honest. The Andre Fabre star has already bagged two Group 1s this season at Longchamp, the Prix Ganay and the Prix d'Ispahan, showing a blend of class and stamina. Most French races are stop-start so this could work out very nicely for him. Delacroix looked all class in the spring, winning the Ballysax and Leopardstown Trial but bombed out in the Derby. That run is easy to forgive – he was shuffled right back after early interference – and he wouldn't be the first Ballydoyle runner to bounce back from an Epsom flop at the highest level. Ryan Moore keeps the faith over Camille Pissarro, who he won the French Derby on easily last time. He's no mug but this is deeper and he needs more taking on his elders. Ruling Court is interesting. The 2,000 Guineas winner was never happy in the St James's Palace but few of the Charlie Appleby horses enjoyed Royal Ascot. This trip should be ideal and quick ground suits. Oisin Murphy should get a good tune out of him. Jessica Harrington runners are always respected and Hotazhell was far from disgraced when third in the Irish Guineas. He is another who should relish this trip and, while 33-1 is a fair enough price, he needs a big step forward to figure. HAYDOCK 2.05 VALIANCY looks the one to beat for William Haggas. This Cracksman gelding is going the right way, just denied here over 1m4f in May before bolting up at Hamilton. He shapes like a strong stayer and should relish this extra yardage on good ground. A fair opening mark gives him every chance on handicap debut. Deep Water Bay is on the upgrade too, winning two of his last three for Sir Mark Prescott. He's thrived since stepping up in trip and switching to handicaps, though this is tougher back on turf after scoring at Chelmsford. Many Men had Novelista behind when scoring at Doncaster, but the latter now gets a pull in the weights and looks a solid each-way player. Way Of Stars sluiced home in a Goodwood maiden and goes back into handicaps on the up, while Ammes ran with credit in the King George V at Royal Ascot and stays well. Both are in the place picture. 2.40 WITH just four runners this could turn into a sprint which would be ideal for SCENIC. Ed Walker's mare is a proven battler and arrives here off the back of a gutsy win in the Bronte Cup at York, getting up late over 1m6f to take it on the line. That form looks solid and she's already a dual Listed scorer who stays well and acts on quick ground. Estrange blew the field away in the Pinnacle here last month, slamming Shaha by over four lengths. She's proven over the trip and looks a potential Group 1 performer in the making. But all her wins have come off a strong pace and a dawdle here could make her vulnerable late. Love Talk is likely to get a soft lead but is miles off on ratings in this company, while Nuit is a maiden stepping up from Listed level with lots on her plate. Still there's £13,450 on offer for third which is a good payday. 3.15 SIR LOWRY'S PASS looks pretty as a picture for the Old Newton Cup (3.15 Haydock). Ed Walker's improver has more to come over this trip. He can edge out Chillingham and City Of Delight. Here's my race guide: ENEMY 1 OH My. Former Group performer has badly out of sorts lately. Drops into handicap but hard to fancy with big weight. STRESSFREE 3 NO Stress. Won here in May then had no chance at Ascot from rear. Stays strongly and track suits. Each-way shout. CHILLINGHAM 4 HOT Chill. Got York race in stewards' room after close second. Visor helped and stays. Dangerous if headgear keeps him focused again. SIR LOWRY'S PASS 5 PASS master. Improver for in-form yard. Strong Goodwood win then didn't get run of race at Redcar. Likely stayer with more to come now. PLAGE DE HAVRE 3 HAV a look. Stays on any ground. Can pull early but capable of going close at best. CITY OF DELIGHT 4 ANGEL Delight. Won six of last eight and only beaten by pace last time. Ahead of the handicapper. Big player. GREAT BEDWYN 3 GREAT shout. Won return at York then unlucky at Epsom. Stays well and lightly raced this year. Place hope. SOL CAYO 3 CAYO go. Front-runner thriving after three wins. Big class rise but confidence is high. Could go close if getting own way. BOX TO BOX 2 BOXED in. Won over shorter here latest but step up in trip a worry. Tougher from wide draw off higher mark. MY DREAM WORLD 3 DREAM on. Improving 4yo who stays. Track suits and could go close after good York run. MINSTREL KNIGHT 3 MIN the hunt. Solid comeback and stays well. Would like some rain but not out of it. NIGHT BREEZE 2 BREEZE blows. Still 6lb higher than Ascot win and modest at Epsom latest. Needs a bit more. PADDY THE SQUIRE 3 PADDY not baddy. Best over 1m2f but looks on fair mark and place claims if getting home. HUMBLE SPARK 2 NO Spark. Pick of form on AW and best efforts over further. Likely to be outpaced. MIDNIGHT LION 2 LION barred. Solid run over further at Newcastle last week but best form on the sand. SPORTINGSILVERMINE 2 DEEP Mine. Still unexposed over trip but past two runs have been modest so needs more. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Leader Live
5 hours ago
- Leader Live
Ombudsman aiming to put Eclipse rivals in the shade
John Gosden has won the Esher track's summer highlight four times, but now training in conjunction with son Thady, he has a horse who showed in the Prince of Wales's Stakes he is ready to add his name to the list of greats to race out of the family's historic Clarehaven base. 'We always thought he had the potential to be a horse of this class, but you can only find that out on the day,' said Thady Gosden reflecting on his brilliant performance at the Royal meeting. 'He would have been an unlucky loser, he had a few traffic problems but then he showed that great turn of foot that (sire) Night Of Thunder seems to give them and he picked up well when he asked him. 'The idea before Ascot was that if he ran well enough there, then we would come for this. When it went the way it did and he came out of it well, it was very much the plan. We always thought we would start him later in the season, give him a run before Ascot and go from there. 'He's developed quite gradually and hopefully he's got a bright future.' Vadeni secured a first win for a French-trained horse since 1960 when scoring three years ago and Andre Fabre saddles his ultra-smart three-time Group One winner Sosie as he looks to add his name to the roll of honour. Two of those top-level victories have come in his last two starts and the Prix Ganay and Prix d'Ispahan winner – who currently heads the betting for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe – adds a Gallic flavour to this stellar line-up. Sosie picks up impressively to reel in Sardinian Warrior and take out the Group One Prix d'Ispahan at ParisLongchamp! 🇫🇷 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 25, 2025 Fabre said: 'I don't know if he has improved (this season), he has been running over a different distance and he's a triple Group One winner. 'The horse hasn't surprised me this year, he has just confirmed what I thought. 'He is meeting different opposition on Saturday and it is an interesting race, with two Classic winners and a good older horse of Godolphin's – it's a good race. 'The ground is not a concern, he doesn't like the soft and enjoys that good ground.' On what it would mean to add the Eclipse to his already glittering CV, the trainer added: 'Any race I'm running in I'm happy to win it, whether it's the Eclipse or a race in the country. It's not a trainer's race, it's a horse race.' It is no surprise to see Aidan O'Brien well-represented in this first major clash of the generations as the race's most successful trainer bids for a record-extending ninth success with beaten Derby favourite Delacroix (Ryan Moore) and French Derby hero Camille Pissarro (Christophe Soumillon). O'Brien said: 'Both of them have been very good since their last runs and we felt in the Derby with Delacroix, he got knocked down at the top of the hill and ended up too far back and I'd say the trip was too far. That's what we think. 'We didn't know going for the French Derby if Camille Pissarro would get the trip, but he did get it. This is probably a little bit tougher track and a tougher race, but everything has gone well and he's in good shape.' Jessica Harrington's Hotazhell is another of the Classic generation to make the trip from Ireland, while Charlie Appleby's 2000 Guineas champion Ruling Court finally steps up in trip after defeat at Royal Ascot. Charlie Appleby told 'The tempo of the St James's Palace Stakes was completely different to what Ruling Court encountered in the 2000 Guineas. They went an end-to-end gallop and he never really looked comfortable throughout the race. 'We have always wanted to step him up in trip and a mile and a quarter is probably the ideal distance to aim for as a first try over middle distances. There is only one Derby, so we obviously had a look at the mile-and-a-half route before deciding not to run at Epsom due to the ground. 'Conditions at Sandown look there to suit. He has won around the course before and has a significant weight pull against the older horses, which can often come into play in an Eclipse. It's a small but very strong field, and he's a Classic-winning colt who doesn't look out of place in the field.'
Leader Live
5 hours ago
- Leader Live
Windlord edges Gala glory in tight Sandown finish
A close second in the Sandown Classic Trial in the spring, the Dubawi colt subsequently gave his fellow Juddmonte-owned colt something to aim at in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, ultimately finishing well beaten on both occasions. Andrew Balding's charge was a 6-4 favourite dropping down to Listed class and while the front-running Caviar Heights proved a tough nut to crack on his first start since joining William Haggas, Windlord got the better of a final furlong tussle by a nose in the hands of Colin Keane. Another thriller @Sandownpark 🤯 Caviar Heights was a worthy nemesis, but 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝 edges to Listed glory in the Gala Stakes @Sandownpark A quickfire double for @JuddmonteFarms, @ctkjockey and @AndrewBalding2 💥 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 4, 2025 Balding said: 'I know Caviar Heights very well because I bought him as a yearling and trained him as a two-year-old and he's very tough so I wasn't convinced we were going to get past him. 'He showed real desire and he's previously been asked to do something (pace-making) that wasn't ideal for him so it's nice for him to win a race in his own right.' Balding, Keane and Juddmonte were completing a double on the card following Kassaya's comeback victory in the preceding Battaash Handicap A 5-2 market leader on her first appearance since finishing down the field as favourite for the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot last summer, the half-sister to 2000 Guineas hero Chaldean was good value for the winning margin of three-quarters of a length. 'We thought the world of her last year, she was favourite for the Queen Mary and got no run and then picked up an injury after that and it's just taken an age to get her back to the sort of form where we were happy to run her,' Balding added. 'I think she'll come on a bundle for that, it was really encouraging and exciting for the future.' Balding then teamed up with William Buick to make it three winners on the day via Coltrane (5-2) in the Coral Marathon. The eight-year-old won the Listed contest back in 2022 and had to dig deep for a repeat, fending off the late challenge of Al Nayyir by a short head, with just half a length back to Real Dream in third. Balding said: 'That was thoroughly well deserved. He's been a bit of a star and that has taken his earnings over £1 million. 'He has been the horse of a lifetime really. He loves it here and has loved his racing this year. He was a little but inconsistent last season but has been in great form this year. 'He's not in at Goodwood and I think we will probably wait and look at Doncaster with him now and then his swansong will either be at Ascot or in the Cadran.'
