Appeal likely with James Orman’s suspension a barrier to premiership ambitions
JAMES Orman is certain to lodge an appeal against the 11-day suspension he incurred at Ipswich on Saturday in a bid to keep his premiership aspirations alive.
JAMES Orman is certain to lodge an appeal against the 11-day suspension he incurred at Ipswich on Saturday in a bid to keep his premiership aspirations alive.
Orman is set to miss three metropolitan meetings, which could prove the difference between winning and losing the premiership as he bids to become the first apprentice to achieve the feat since Zac Purton in 2003.
Orman joined Jeff Lloyd on 62 metropolitan wins with his double on In His Stride and Blueberry Hill at Ipswich. Jim Byrne, in his quest to win the title for a fifth time, leads on 63.5.
“It would be awesome to win the premiership. Not many people have done it,” Orman said. “After Saturday I am within striking distance and it put a bit of a dampener on the day to be suspended.”
Stewards rated the interference Orman caused on Kobi Creek to Jim Byrne (All Clear) as “mid-range” and said that level of carelessness normally would attract a 13-day suspension.
It was discounted to 11 because Orman had not had a suspension since June 24 last year, having had 1077 rides since.
Orman said his record should have counted for more.
“What’s the point in having a good record like that and still getting 11 days? I thought it was a bit harsh,” Orman said.
“It was just a bump. I am confident I can get the severity down.”
On returning to scale, Byrne was adamant Orman’s shift out cost All Clear the race, as he had to race wide facing the breeze for the second half of the event.
Originally published as Appeal likely with James Orman’s suspension a barrier to premiership ambitions
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