Navan 23rd October 2013

Paul Hickey for Feels So Close at Navan 23rd October 2013.

The Stewards fined Charles O'Brien, trainer, €130 for lodging a passport in respect of Iveagh Gardens, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards interviewed Peter McCreery, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Scatty Cat. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he was unable to secure an apprentice before declaration due to the low weight and the uncertainty about whether or not the weights would rise. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered and took no further action .

The Stewards interviewed D.Fitzpatrick, rider of Scatty Cat concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned in the presence of Peter McCreery, trainer of Scatty Cat. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10 3 f in that he used the whip with the arm above shoulder height and having considered his record, cautioned him as to his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards interviewed K.J. Manning, rider of Evason (GB) concerning his use of the whip in 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 the rider was in breach of regulation 10 3 f , having used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, cautioned him as to his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards requested a report from A.P.O'Brien as to the apparent improvement in form of the winner,Beach Of Falesa, as compared with its recent form. The trainers representative, Pat Keating reported that the horse disappointed on her last start in a Listed race over a mile and a half at the Curragh. Regarding the penultimate run at Listowel, he reported that the horse raced freely and emptied in the closing stages on the extremely testing conditions. He concluded by saying that today's drop in both trip and class had helped his charge return to form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted its content.

The Stewards interviewed F.M. Berry, rider of Quick Jack concerning his use of the whip in 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10 4 , in that he used the whip without giving his mount time to respond and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

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