JOCKEY CLUB chief medical officer Dr Michael Turner has hit out at comments made by Walter Swinburn over the Club Licensing Committee's decision to withhold his licence until six months, after his accident at Sha Tin racecourse, Hong Kong.

After returning to action in a blaze of glory at Windsor on Monday, Swinburn admitted he had been disheartened by the decision.

As he began the long haul back to the saddle, Swinburn was unaware that due to the nature of his injuries and insurance rules, he would face a compulsory period of six months on the sidelines.

It was only shortly before last month's hearing into his application to return that the 35-year-old became fully aware that he would have to wait a further three weeks before he could finally get back to race-riding.

"I wondered if they were ever going to give me back my licence and I still cannot understand why they never told me immediately that it would take six months." he said.

My goal was to come back as soon as I could but they moved the goal posts.

"My argument is not with the Jockey Club. but I hope Dr Turner has learned something out of it. I hope it doesn't happen to another jockey."

Responding to Swinburn's criticism, Dr Turner said yesterday: "The Medical Council cannot make a decision until all the relevant information is received. The trouble was getting the relevant information from Hong Kong.

"When all the reports are gathered I read them through and make a decision. There is no point in giving a premature opinion.

I don't grant licences. Walter Swinburn seems to think that I do. That's up to the Jockey Club. I do realise it was frustrating for Walter - it was frustrating for us too."

The Jockey Club yesterday attempted to clarify their licensing procedures in the light of Swinburn's comments.

A statement from Port man Square read: "All professional jockeys who are granted a licence to ride under the Rules of Racing are covered by the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme.

"Before granting a jockey's licence, the Licensing Committee will receive the opinion of the chief medical adviser and, where appropriate, other specialists.

"If a jockey wishes to ride work prior to being granted a licence, he would not be covered by PRIS.

"The Licensing Committe's decisions are not based upon insurance considerations."