Racing

Joseph O’Brien weighed in heavy after Australia defeat

Jockey 1lb overweight after shock reverse to The Grey Gatsby at Leopardstown

Ryan Moore onboard The Grey Gatsby comes home to win the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes just ahead of Australia ridden by Joseph O’Brien. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Ryan Moore onboard The Grey Gatsby comes home to win the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes just ahead of Australia ridden by Joseph O’Brien. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Brian O'Connor
Sun Sept 14 2014 - 13:10

Joseph O’Brien’s controversial QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes ride on Australia yesterday evening has taken another twist with confirmation that the champion jockey weighed in 1lb heavy after the odds-on favourite's defeat.

The 30-100 favourite Australia was beaten a neck by The Grey Gatsby in the €1 million ‘Champions Weekend’ highlight, after which O’Brien weighed in at 9st1lb. He had weighed out at the correct 9st weight.

In the immediate aftermath of Australia's shock defeat, O'Brien was criticised for taking a wide course throughout the race while Ryan Moore saved ground around the final turn on the winner.

O’Brien’s overweight on Australia was the only overweight on the entire Leopardstown card. The jockey had earlier weighed in at 9st after Tapestry finished unplaced in the Matron Stakes.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column