 Bradley arrives at the High Court for his appeal |
Former top jockey Graham Bradley launched his High Court appeal on Monday against a five-year ban from horse racing. Bradley, now a bloodstock agent, says the Jockey Club ban would "strangle" his fledgling business.
The ex-rider was banned for eight years in 2003 after being found guilty of passing on privileged racing information for rewards.
The ban was later reduced to five years at a Jockey Club Appeal Board hearing, but Bradley wants Mr Justice Richards to grant him an injunction or damages for breach of contract.
Bradley, 44, of West Street, Sparsholt, near Wantage, Oxfordshire, was in court in London to hear his QC, Timothy Higginson, argue that the ban was disproportionate, in breach of contract and an unreasonable restraint of trade.
Higginson said: "If the court concludes ultimately - which I say is inevitable - that the imposition of this ban will simply take away Mr Bradley's livelihood completely and forever, then it has a short decision to make in its reviewing process."
Bradley, who retired in December 1999 after 17 years as a National Hunt jockey, says he has been prevented from earning a living in the only field in which he has any experience or skill. The order precludes Bradley from entering any racecourse or premises owned, used or licensed by the Club and from dealing in any capacity with a racehorse.
It was imposed in the wake of his appearance at Southampton Crown Court in September 2001 when he gave evidence at the trial of a friend who was later acquitted of drugs charges.
During his evidence, Bradley stated that he had received presents in the form of nights out and the occasional flight, and cash payments, from a man called Brian Wright in return for privileged racing information.
Higginson said Bradley's evidence at Southampton was given without legal advice or any warning in relation to it.
Yorkshire-born Bradley's career in the saddle included victory in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Bregawn.
Other triumphs included the King George VI Chase in 1985 on Wayward Lad - the name of the horse was later used as the title for his autobiography.
The contested hearing is expected to last up to four days.
MMIX
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