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Oisin Murphy receives unusual fine just moments after securing 17/2 victory

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was handed an unusual fine for his actions after steering Lead Artist to victory in the Lockinge Stakes on Saturday. The 17/2 shot stayed on well to beat favourite Dancing Gemini and bounce back from his disappointing showing at Sandown last month.

Murphy enjoyed a great day at Newbury, kicking off the card with a victory aboard Eydon (16/1) before finishing third in the London Gold Cup Handicap with Quai De Bethune (22/1).

The jockey was at his very best in the Lockinge too, guiding Lead Artist into a prominent early position before battling it out with Ryan Moore on Dancing Gemini in the final two furlongs. Murphy managed to get a brilliant tune out of his runner in the final furlong to land the spoils by a neck, and he could not contain his excitement after the race.

However, that was to his detriment. Whilst celebrating in the winners' enclosure, the 29-year-old received his helmet and was quickly handed a fine by the stewards.

A report from the British Horseracing Authority read: "An enquiry was held into why Oisin Murphy removed his skull cap following the race while still mounted aboard the winner, LEAD ARTIST. Murphy was interviewed and fined £140."

Despite being handed the fine, Murphy remained very positive about the race, crediting Lead Artist for showing 'guts' in the closing stages of the race. He said: "I was really taken aback by what he did. The horse has a great demeanour and he showed a lot of guts.

"I hope everyone enjoyed that tussle. I was delighted to come out on top. Ryan (Moore, Dancing Gemini) beat me in this in a photo a few years ago. The stable were very confident and they allowed me a free rein. It all worked out and I'm delighted."

With John and Thady Gosden ruling that they would be operating with a 'best available' jockey system recently rather than having Kieran Shoemark as their stable, Murphy could be in line for several more big rides for the yard - especially after John's post-race remarks.

He told ITV Racing: "He was given a peach of a ride. I thought we'd be in the three but I didn't necessarily think we'd win it."

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