Irish Racing Calendar, 14th February 2013
Fairyhouse Meeting, 5th February 2013
The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of his non-runner:-
Norman Cassidy, trainer of Famous Last Words (off feed) - €200.
The Stewards authorised the following nomination and substitution of rider at this meeting:-
M.J. Ferris replaced M. Darcy on Ivanka, trained by Noel C. Kelly (Race 3) Injured.
022A Great Value Corporate Hospitality @ Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle & C.D. Maxwell, rider of Bold Owenie, trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in this race.
022E Tote Sports Lounge Novice Handicap Hurdle & D.N Russell, rider of Romanesco (FR), trained by Gordan Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly throughout this race.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Romanesco (FR) was found to have mucus on his lungs following an endoscopic examination post race.
022F Make A Wish Dunshaughlin Weight Loss Challenge Handicap Hurdle & C.P. Donoghue, trainer of The Two Jays, reported to the Office of the Governing Bodies on Wednesday, 6th February that his charge was found to have a closed palate following an endoscopic examination post race.
Clonmel Meeting, 7th February 2013
The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of his non-runner: Mr. M. Keane for Any Whisper (Withdrawn by Order of the Stewards – passport late) - €130.
The Stewards authorised the following nomination and substitution of rider at this meeting:-
P.F. Mangan rode Sterling Stuff (reserve), trained by Robert Tyner (Race 1).
025D Minorstown Handicap Hurdle & The Stewards interviewed Mr C.J. Sweeney, rider of Fiery Oscar, placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr Sweeney was in breach of Regulation 10, in that he failed to give his mount sufficient time to respond. &
Having taken his record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities.
The Stewards requested a report from Mr M.P. Fogarty, rider of Pretty Happy, which fell before the turn into the straight, and from rider Andrew Ring, whose mount Cheap As Chips was brought down.
Mr Fogarty reported that his mount accidentally stumbled and fell on the first circuit. Andrew Ring reported that his mount was accidentally brought down by Pretty Happy.
Having considered the reports, the Stewards noted their content.
Dundalk Meeting, 8th February 2013
The Stewards authorised the following nomination and substitution of riders at this meeting:-
F. Lynch rode Aminah (GB) (reserve), trained by David Marnane (Race 3).
J.P. O’Brien rode Habesh (reserve), trained by Eugene M. O’Sullivan (Race 8).
026A www.dundlakstadium.com Rated Race & The Stewards enquired into two incidents in this race. The first incident occurred on the home bend and involved He’s Got Rhythm, ridden by F. Lynch, placed fourth, Sean Og Coulston, ridden by N.G. McCullagh, Ahimsa, ridden by J.P. O’Brien, and Foot Perfect, ridden by E.J. McNamara, all unplaced, after it appeared that Ahimsa ran short of room.
The second incident occurred in the home straight and involved Silenceofthewind (USA), ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed fifth, Ahimsa, ridden by J.P. O’Brien, Foot Perfect, ridden by E.J. McNamara, and Oneniteinheaven, ridden by L.F. Roche, all unplaced, after it appeared that Ahimsa suffered interference.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the first incident occurred as a result of tight riding and could not apportion blame to any rider so therefore took no further action.
In regard to the second incident, the Stewards were of the opinion that E.J. McNamara was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having taken his good record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore suspended him for one race day (22nd February).
The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Elusive Gent, placed third, trained by J.T. Gorman, compared with the horse’s recent form.
Evidence was heard from Mark Bird, Turf Club Rules Of Racing Handicapper, and from the trainer concerned.
In his evidence Mr Bird evaluated the apparent improvement in form for the Stewards, and stated that today’s run represented a significant improvement in form for a horse which has been rated 44 for over a year.
In his evidence Mr Gorman stated that he was at a loss to explain the apparent improvement. He said that the horse had been off the track for a long while prior to his previous run. He further stated that this animal is capable of leading many of his horses at home, but has shown very little on the track. He added that it was a messy race today and Elusive Gent may have got the run of the race. Mr Gorman also agreed with the Handicapper that, on the face of things, today’s run represented a significant improvement in form.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
026D Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap & The Stewards requested a report from Edward Lynam, trainer of the winner Atticus Finch, regarding the apparent improvement in form of his charge compared with the horse’s recent form.
Mr Lynam reported that he fitted his charge with a tongue strap today. He said that he also allowed the horse’s home work jockey R.P. Downey to ride the animal today because he gets on so well with him at home and could claim 10 lbs. He said that these two things combined may have brought about any apparent improvement.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the home straight involving the winner Atticus Finch, ridden by R.P. Downey, Shake The Bucket, ridden by N.P. Madden, placed fourth, and Core Element, ridden by P.J. Smullen, unplaced, after it appeared that interference had taken place.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of Edward Lynam, trainer and master of R.P. Downey.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. The Stewards were, however, of the opinion that R.P. Downey was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly.
Having taken his inexperience into account, the Stewards therefore severely cautioned him regarding his future riding.
026E Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap & The Stewards interviewed J.F. Egan, rider of the winner Salam Alaykum, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.F. Egan was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency.
Having taken his record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore suspended him for one race day (22nd February).
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Balmont Flyer, trained by Ms Joanna Morgan, was found to be post race normal.
026G(i) Winter Racing At Dundalk Handicap (Division One) & The Stewards interviewed J.P. O’Brien, rider of Massabini (USA), placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.P. O’Brien was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive force.
Having taken his record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore suspended him for three race days.
026G(i) Winter Racing At Dundalk Handicap (Division One) & The Stewards received a report from W. Fleming, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the failure of B.A. Curtis, rider of Well Insured, placed fifth, to weigh in after this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he was of the opinion that Mr Fleming told him he was not needed to weight in, but accepted there may have been a breakdown in communication.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that B.A. Curtis was in breach of Rule 230 (ii) and therefore disqualified Well Insured from fifth place. The Stewards were also of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 227 (i) in that he had failed to present himself to be weighed in, and they therefore cautioned him accordingly.
026G(ii) Winter Racing At Dundalk Handicap (Division Two) & The Stewards enquired into an incident early in the straight in this race involving First Friday, ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed fourth, Habesh, ridden by J.P. O’Brien, placed fifth, and Bad Cigar, ridden by F. Lynch, unplaced, after if appeared that Habesh suffered interference and had to check.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the interference was caused accidently and they therefore took no further action.
M.C. Hussey, rider of Tinas Exhibition, trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was found to be lame post race.
L.F. Roche, rider of Squealy’s Daughter, trained by William J. Fitzpatrick, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled in this race. The trainer subsequently reported to the Office of the Governing Bodies on Monday 11th February that his charge was found to be in season post race.
Leopardstown Meeting, 9th February 2013
027D Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Steeplechase & The Stewards interviewed Mr R.P. McNamara, rider of Lord Windermere, placed third, concerning his use of the whip from the last fence to the finish line.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr McNamara was in breach of Regulation 10 in that he had used his whip with excessive force and frequency and failed to give his mount time to respond. &
Having taken his good record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore suspended him for three race days (23rd, 24th, and 27th February).
027F Hennessy Gold Cup & Peter Casey, trainer of Flemenstar, reported to the Office of the Governing Bodies on Wednesday 13th February that his charge was found to have scoped badly post race.
027G Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Steeplechase & The Stewards interviewed Mr J.J. Smyth, rider of Tammys Hill, placed second, concerning his use of the whip from the last fence to the finish line.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr Smyth was in breach of Regulation 10 in that he failed to give his mount time to respond when using his whip.
Having taken his good record in this regard into account, the Stewards therefore suspended him for one race day (23rd February).
027H kieranoconnellracing.com (Pro/Am) I.N.H Flat Race & The Stewards requested a report from Mr B.O. Walsh, rider of Milan Ridge, after his mount appeared to stumble and slip up on the turn out of the backstraight.
Mr Walsh confirmed that his mount stumbled independently and slipped up.
Having considered the report, the Stewards took no further action.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Old Kilcash, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard, but that he was otherwise found to be clinically normal post race. Samples were taken for analysis.
Mr M.J. O’Hare, rider of Boom Hall, trained by Lady Jane Alexander, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount choked in running.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Fayette County, trained by Mr Muredach Kelly, was found to be post race normal.