Lleyton promoted to first as Muroor disqualified

There was drama after the extended two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle at Downpatrick when the winner Muroor was disqualified as jockey Conor Maxwell failed to draw the correct weight.

Muroor had stayed on well up the hill under Maxwell to collar Lleyton close home and win at 8/1.

However, he was disqualified and Lleyton was promoted to first at 9/2 for Jimmy Finn and Barry Geraghty.

There was also an enquiry into possible interference from Lleyton to Blue Skimmer in the closing stages but the stewards took no action so Blue Skimmer (10/3jf) was promoted from third to second upon Muroor's disqualification. Lusis Naturea was promoted from fourth to third at 12/1.

Tom McCourt had said of Muroor before the disqualification: "He gave him a good ride, he's strong. It suited him having something to chase up the hill I'd say. He has been in good form and he pulled two shoes off in Wexford. He might have pulled one off today.

"I always thought he was good enough to win a few off his mark. He has proven to be a little bit frustrating up to this.

"The plan was to keep him as happy as he could. He's a little bit faint-hearted. It worked out well and I thought the track would suit him.

"We might have a look for something in Tramore next weekend. Those tracks suit him well. Any claiming races over a trip on the Flat we will probably look at as well."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Lleyton, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, placed second and Blue Skimmer, ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed third, where it appeared that Blue Skimmer ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action pending an enquiry into the winning rider failing to weigh in at the correct weight.

The Stewards received a report from Ms C. Murphy , Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that C.D. Maxwell , rider of Muroor (GB), placed first, weighed out exactly 165.4 lbs and weighed in at 163.8 lbs, this being 1.2 lbs underweight. Ms. C. Murphy confirmed these weights during this enquiry. T.G. McCourt, trainer, stated that he saddled the horse with the saddle, non slip pad, lead cloth and girths as weighed out. Evidence was heard from the rider, C.D. Maxwell, who stated that he handed over all equipment to T.G McCourt as already stated and was unable to explain the discrepancies. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards used their powers under Rule 231 and disqualified Muroor from first place. In view of the evidence the Stewards did not apportion blame to any person and therefore took no further action.