Below is the full stewards report into the running and riding of Ithaka who finished sixth in the opener at Limerick this evening, the Jason Nyhan Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

His trainer Ronan McNally was subsequently fined E2,000, while Sexton was banned for 10 days. Ithaka was also banned from racing for 42 days.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Ithaka, ridden by K.C. Sexton, and trained by Ronan M.P. McNally.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

K.C. Sexton, stated that Ronan M.P. McNally, gave no riding instructions leaving it up to him how to ride the horse. He added that he planned to jumped out at the rear of the field to get him settled and then ride a race from there.

He added the race went as planned and he put him into the race going across the top bend and he stayed on from there.

Ronan M.P. McNally confirmed that he left it to K.C. Sexton on how to ride the horse stating that he was happy with the ride from K.C. Sexton and delighted with the run from the horse.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Ithaka was post race normal with the exception of a small superficial cut on its left fore cannon.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Ronan M.P. McNally and K.C. Sexton were in breach of Rule 212A(ii)(timely, real and substantial effort) and having considered their records, they fined Ronan M.P. McNally E2,000 and suspended Ithaka from running for 42 days.

Furthermore they suspended K.C. Sexton for 10 race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.