Downroyal 26th December 2013

J.Larkin for Rory's Rainbow at Downroyal 26th December 2013.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Fahamore (GB), trained by Edward P.Harty, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Fahamore (GB), ridden by N.P. Madden, and trained by Edward P.Harty. Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. Edward P. Harty, trainer, stated that he instructed the rider to give his mount a chance early on as he had not run since May, get him jumping, creep into the race and don't knock him about as he had encountered training problems with his stifles. He added that his charge made a slight mistake at the fourth last fence and lost his chance which he failed to regain. The exit of three runners at the second last fence left him in fourth place and he ran on in the latter stages without looking like reaching third place. He felt that his charge would improve a little for todays run and he had a respectable blow post race. He expressed his satisfaction with the ride. N.P. Madden, rider, confirmed the trainers instructions and added that he was in contention racing to the fourth last fence but having corrected him on the approach to it, he lost ground and with the front runners quickening at that point his own mount was flat footed and he just pushed him along from that point without hitting him. He added that his mount took a blow at the fourth last fence but galloped on in the closing stages without being able to pass the third placed horse. He felt that he rode to his strongest ability and within his riding instructions. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Fahamore (GB) was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Edward P. Harty and N.P. Madden were in breach of Rule 212. They fined Edward P. Harty €1,000 and suspended Fahamore (GB) for 42 days. They also suspended N.P. Madden for 7 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, Mr. D. Cullen, that R.P. Treacy, rider of Garamor Boy anticipated the start which in turn contributed to the false start. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.P. Treacy was in breach of Rule 208(b) and suspended him for 3 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

M.P. Fogarty, rider of Glenanelucy trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, Mr. D. Cullen, that Mr B.M. Linehan, rider of In The Well had anticipated the start which in turn contributed to the false start. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. B.M. Linehan was in breach of Rule 208(b) and suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his good previous record into consideration.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. I. Hamilton, that Mr J.J. Smyth, rider of Tammys Hill, had presented himself at scales to weigh out showing 2.6 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and also from Liam Lennon trainer of Tammys Hill. The trainer stated that he was satisfied that Mr J.J. Smyth could ride at overweight as this animal was family owned and was ridden by him in most of his races. The rider stated that he tried very hard to carry the correct weight and believed from his own scales that he had reached his target but there was obviously a difference when the racecourse scales was used. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards did not accept the explanations offered and cautioned Liam Lennon for a breach of Rule 195(i) and furthermore fined Mr J.J. Smyth €150 for a breach of Rule 198(vii).

D.R. Fox, rider of Nosey Box, trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost ground at the start and was further back in the field than wanted but stayed on one paced in the closing stages.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Royal Flight, trained by C.Roche, placed first, compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from Edward P. Harty, Authorized representative for C. Roche trainer of Royal Flight who stated that this filly returned from a break to run over 2 miles 4 furlongs at Listowel. She ran recently at Fairyhouse over 2 miles on good to firm ground and he contributed todays success to a return to two miles with soft underfoot conditions. Evidence was also heard from Mr Gary O'Gorman Turf Club Handicapper. Having considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that there was limited information available which precluded them from reaching a conclusion and consequently they referred the matter to the Turf Club CEO for further investigation.

The Stewards enquired into the early start of this race before the advertised starting time of 3.30 p.m. Evidence was heard from Mr B. Sheridan, Turf Club Clerk of the Course and Mr D. Cullen, Turf Club Starter. Mr B. Sheridan stated that he despatched the runners to the start allowing the normal time limits to reach the start and have equipment checked. He added that he did not specifically inform the Starter of the remaining time before the start time. Mr D. Cullen stated that he was satisfied that his starting times were recorded correctly all day and his watch confirmed that this race had also started on time. He was not aware of any problems with his starting time and could not account for his watch running at three minutes faster by the time this race had to be started. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards allowed the result to stand in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10 but referred the matter to the CEO for a full investigation.

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