See also » Geraghty-hit-with-30-day-suspension

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Noble Emperor, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A.J.Martin, stated that his instructions were to get some cover and try switch him off, bearing in mind that the horse can be keen. He added that the horse has disappointed in the past but should have enjoyed today's heavy conditions over two miles, despite having form over further. He expressed satisfaction with the ride and that the lost shoe had no bearing on the run on today's ground. Evidence was also heard from B.J.Geraghty who confirmed the instructions adding that the horse needs to be covered up and delivered late. He added that the winner quickly established a good lead at the start and circumstance meant that he was unable to chase the leader until the straight as he was riding strictly to instructions. He confirmed that the horse felt healthy at all stages. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Noble Emperor was post race normal, having lost a left fore shoe. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 212 having failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to give his mount the full opportunity to win or obtain his best possible place and having considered his record suspended him for thirty race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore the stewards also found A.J.Martin in breach of Rule 212 and having considered his record,fined him ?3,000 and suspended Noble Emperor for sixty days. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Cliff House, ridden by B.T. O'Connell, and trained by John J. Walsh. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. B.T. O'Connell, stated that his instructions were to drop his horse in and be last to challenge. He added that the ground was very testing for his charge who struggled to get home in the conditions. He took it upon himself to race more prominently, against instructions as the winner was getting away. John J. Walsh, confirmed the instructions and added his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Cliff House was post race normal having sustained an overreach. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Blacklough, ridden by A.E. Lynch, and trained by Henry de Bromhead. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's representative,Eddie Ryan. A.E. Lynch, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in mid-division and get him jumping well. He added that his charge needs better ground and never travelled. Eddie Ryan confirmed the instructions, added that the horse was having his first run in eighteen months on ground softer than ideal. He also expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Blacklough was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Lord Ben, ridden by D. Robinson, and trained by Henry de Bromhead. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's representative, Eddie Ryan. D. Robinson, stated that his instructions were to drop his charge in, get him settled and jumping, bearing in mind he can be a bit keen. He added that the horse needs better ground and struggled in the conditions. Eddie Ryan, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Lord Ben was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted t

An extended handicap hurdle for four yrs old and upwards (140 = 11st 10lb)
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap to carry 6lb extra for each hurdle race won. Any horse rated above 140 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 11st 10lb. Subsequently, the excess over 140 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any four year old rated above 140 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)