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

D. Meyler replaced B. Hayes on A Cheap Thrill, trained by Emmet Mullins (Race 2)(stewards permission)
G. Brouder replaced C.D. Maxwell on Golden Ferret, trained by Paul Stafford (Race 2)(injured).
S.D. Torrens replaced B. Hayes on Teed Up, trained by Emmet Mullins (Race 3)(stewards permission)

029A BetVictor Beginners S'chase

L. Quinlan, rider of Saint Rhue trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was subsequently confirmed by the I.H.R.B Veterinary Officer.

029B Racing Again February 24th H'cap S'chase

The Stewards received a request from Paul Stafford, trainer of Golden Ferret, to substitute the nominated rider C.D. Maxwell (unwell) with G. Brouder(5Ibs), having failed to secure a similar rider at short notice despite his best efforts. Having considered the matter, the Stewards allowed the substitution under the provisions of Rule 196(iv) as they were satisfied that the request was a valid one.

The Stewards fined John Patrick Ryan, trainer, €65 for fitting head gear to Bitview Colin which had not been declared and ordered it’s removal.

029C thurles.ie M'dn H'dle

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Listentillitellyea trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeaded by a loose horse at the third last.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Bugs Moran, ridden by S.W. Flanagan, and trained by Noel Meade. Evidence was heard from the rider and from Ms. Emma Connolly, authorised representative for the trainer. S.W. Flanagan stated that his instructions were to drop his mount out as it can be very keen at home, to switch the animal off and to do the best he could. He said his mount rode different than he had expected and as a result of this, he was further back than he had hoped for early on. He further added that he had never ridden the animal on the track before and in future would ride it differently. He accepted that he could have possibly finished in third place, but felt he was riding at his strongest in the closing stages. He concluded by stating that Bugs Moran may benefit from a step up in trip in future. Ms. Connolly, confirmed the instructions given and expressed her satisfaction with with the ride and stated that her charge can be very keen at home. She said that she had spoken with Mr. Meade over the phone prior to the enquiry and reported that he had not seen the race. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Bugs Moran was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212A(ii) in that the animal was not seen to have been the subject of a genuine attempt to achieve its best possible place. Having considered their respective records in this regard, the Stewards suspended S.W. Flanagan for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and fined Mr. Meade €2000 through his authorised representative Ms. Emma Connolly. Furthermore, the Stewards suspended Bugs Moran for 42 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212.C.(d).

029E BetVictor M'dn H'dle

Owing to the trajectory of the Sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdle number 3 to be omitted from this race.

The Stewards fined Eugene M. O'Sullivan, trainer, €65 for failing to fit a tongue tie to Crosshouse Boy, prior to entering the parade ring.

029F Killinan H'cap H'dle

Owing to to the trajectory of the Sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdle number 3 to be omitted from this race.

The Stewards interviewed M.P. Fogarty, rider of Iridescent, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that M.P. Fogarty was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for 2 racedays.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. R.E. Rohan (Chairman), Mrs. J.A. Onioins, Mr. S. McDonogh, Mr. C.J. Sweeney.

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