Gordon Elliott was hit with a €2,000 fine and jockey Jack Kennedy banned for five days following the running of Suitor in the first race at Down Royal this afternoon.

The stewards enquired into the performance of the Dutch Art gelding after he finished third in the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle.

Connections were found guilty under Rule 212 A (ii) which reads: “Horses shall not be run in races where they are in a condition which would preclude their chances of winning nor shall they be run for the purpose of giving them a school.”

The following is the official Turf Club report:-

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Suitor (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and trained by Gordon Elliott. Evidence was heard from the rider and the trainer's representative, I. Amond.

J.W. Kennedy, stated that it was this horse's first run over hurdles. His instructions were to jump away mid division and get his mount to settle. In the race his mount jumped sketchily early on, was further back than he wanted, was outside on the heavier ground, was flat out all the way, took a blow at the top of the hill from a lack of fitness and ran on in the straight past beaten horses under hands and heels.

The trainer's representative, confirmed the instructions that the horse was to be ridden mid division and to be settled. He stated that this was a new ex-flat horse bought over the summer and having his first run for the yard today. The horse had a break for a couple of weeks after being purchased. He expressed himself satisfied with the ride.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who reported that Suitor (GB) was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found there had been a breach of Rule 212A (ii) and having taken their respective records into account the Stewards imposed a fine of €2000 on the trainer through his representative, suspended Suitor (GB) from running for a period of 42 days and suspended J.W. Kennedy for five race days and ordered the forfeiture of his riding fee.