The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of their non-runner:-

Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer of Halifax (FR) (Off feed) - €200

The Stewards authorised the following substitutions of riders at this meeting:

Sarah Kavanagh rode Eagle Roque (FR) (reserve) , trained by Paul Nolan (Race 4)
Mr. J.P. Berry rode Fuzzbuster (reserve) , trained by J.A.Berry (Race 4)

381B1 Bobbyjo Day 27 February (M) M'dn H'dle

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Frisco Queen, ridden by C.D. Timmons, and trained by Shane Crawley. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. C.D. Timmons, stated that he was instructed to jump off in mid division, give the filly plenty of daylight, get her to pop around and to do the best that he could. He informed the Acting Stewards that he had ridden this filly on her two previous racecourse runs where she fell first time out at Down Royal. He described the filly as being small who did not jump naturally but had some ability. He was conscious that she does not get high over her hurdles and consequently he rode in a manner lacking confidence in himself and primarily not to get a fall for either himself or the filly. He reported post race that the filly had jumped badly and during the course of the enquiry he stated that she was not ideal at any hurdle. He felt that a harder ride could have resulted in a fall. Shane Crawley, confirmed the instructions and added that in his opinion the filly did not have the ability to win a INHS Flat race but might win a summer maiden. He said that she was fit today but would probably prefer nicer ground. He advised that she had been jarred in the past. In his opinion she jumped low today. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Frisco Queen was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212 (A)(ii). Having taken their previous records into consideration, the Stewards fined Shane Crawley €2,000 and suspended Frisco Queen for 42 days. They suspended C. D. Timmons for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

C.D. Timmons, rider of Frisco Queen trained by Shane Crawley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped badly.

381D1 Easter Festival 3rd - 5th April Mdn Hdle

The Stewards interviewed Mr B. Lawless, rider of Carrig Rock, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence he stated that he was seeking his first racecourse winner and exceeded the guideline on the use of the whip. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr B. Lawless was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr B. Lawless for one raceday.

381D2 Easter Festival 3rd - 5th April Mdn Hdle

K.C. Sexton, rider of Suprise Package (GB) trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise at the third last hurdle.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Suprise Package (GB), ridden by K.C. Sexton, and trained by Peter Fahey. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's representative concerned. Paul Harrison, Authorised representative for Peter Fahey, trainer, stated that the animal had run poorly the last day for no known reason therefore today the rider was instructed to keep a hold of his mount, get some cover and to finish as best he could. K.C. Sexton, rider, confirmed the instructions and added that the previous day this animal got very tired and had finished leg weary. In running today, he described his mount as having jumped well in a steady pace but his greenness had left him flat footed when the pace quickened after halfway. He further explained that he kept a good hold of his mount after the third last where he made a respiratory noise and tried to ensure that he finished his race. In his opinion, his mount has his problems and would be best suited to this style of riding and would probably appreciate better ground. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Surprise Package (GB) was clinically abnormal post race. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations. Mrs T.K. Cooper, Acting Steward, did not attend this enquiry.

381E Facebook & Instagram INH Flat Race

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Where It All Began, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman),

Mrs. T.K. Cooper,

Mr. Sean Barry,

Mr. P.D. Matthews.

Disclaimer: Please note this information is provisional and is subject to amendment until published in the Irish Racing Calendar.