Colm Murphy© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Colm Murphy and jockey Mark McDonagh were sanctioned by the Fairyhouse stewards today, after their All About Joe finished fifth in the opening Happy New Year From All At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.
One hundred to one debutant All About Joe caught the eye with his effort behind Home By The Lee
The Oscar gelding raced in the rear of mid-division, before making some progress entering the straight.
A moderate tenth two out, the five-year-old kept on well without threatening on the run-in, ending up a never nearer thirteen lengths behind the winner.
The Stewards report is detailed below -
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of All About Joe, ridden by M.M. McDonagh, and trained by C.A.Murphy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
M.M. McDonagh, stated that his instructions were to jump off around mid division and not be too hard on his mount, that he'd be learning and the horse would also. In the race his mount was keen early on but he got him in a rhythm.
As there is a long straight at this track he didn't want to get his horse off the bridle early. At the second last his mount gurgled, whereby he gave him a chance and he got going again after the last hurdle.
He further added that his mount made a respiratory noise again on pulling up. He acknowledged that he should have reported this information to the Clerk of the Scales or a Stewards' Secretary prior to the Stewards Enquiry as required under Rule 213.
When asked if he was harder on the horse could he have finished any closer, he stated that he could maybe have finished a place or two closer but he would not have won the race.
C.A.Murphy's representative Patrick Sinnott, confirmed the instructions given to the rider.
As it was the horse's first run they didn't have previous runs to go on but the horse was pretty straight and fit for his debut today.
While taking the rider's relative inexperience into account, he felt that he could have made more effort.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer which stated that the horse was examined and found to be post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found M. M. McDonagh in breach of Rule 212 and having taken his record into account suspended him for 10 race days and ordered the forfeiture of his riding fee.
They further found him in breach of Rule 213 by failing to report something which might have affected the running of his horse, and advised him of his responsibilities regarding this rule.
The Stewards also found C. A. Murphy in breach of Rule 212 (through his representative) and having taken his record into account imposed a fine of €2000 and suspended the horse from racing for a period of 42 days.
