Gowran Stewards Ban Half The Field

The Gowran Park Stewards took a dim view of the riding of two of the four runners in the HPR Fleet Management Beginners Steeplechaseat Gowran Park today.

In the 4.15 race at Gowran the Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Theturnofthesun ridden by A.E. Lynch, and trained by Matthew J. Smith.

Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. Matthew J. Smith, trainer, stated that A.E. Lynch schooled this animal this morning to familiarise himself with him.

He added that he instructed the rider to jump off with the other runners, to get around safely and to try his best.

He added that he had assessed this race as having two higher class horses and his charge was rated 99 over hurdles.

He advised that today was his first run over fences.

He expressed his satisfaction with the ride and considered that the rider had done as well as possible.

A.E. Lynch, rider, confirmed the instructions and added that his mount was struggling early on to go with the fast early pace and was being squeezed along.

He stated that his mount had jumped high over fences in the back straight and was flat out at that stage and latterly was unable to pass the second placed horse.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Theturnofthesun was post race normal while also noting that he had a wound on the outside of his left hind pastern of which he was not lame.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer and rider were in breach of Rule 212 (A)(ii) and therefore fined Matthew J. Smith €2,000, suspended A.E. Lynch for 5 racedays and also ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and furthermore suspended Theturnofthesun for 42 days.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Cloudy Morning ridden by B.J. Foley, and trained by Declan Queally in the same race.

Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. Declan Queally, trainer, stated that this animal was a renowned character who had failed to stay on heavy ground at Navan the last day.

He added that today he instructed the rider to jump off last, get his best position but ensure that he saw out the race to finish.

He further instructed him to have company during the race and felt that the front runners went fast early on.

He considered that his charge was flat out over this shorter trip and any forceful riding would have encouraged his charge to give up the chase.

He clarified that he did not want the whip used at any stage as with this particular horse there was no positive purpose in using it.

He expressed his delight with his finishing placing. B.J. Foley, rider, confirmed the instructions and added that his mount was off the bridle after the third fence and was outclassed by higher rated horses early on in a fast run race.

He further added that his mount jumped well overall, had kept galloping at the same pace throughout and only closed on the winner as B.J. Cooper had eased up in the latter stages.

He suggested that his horse was small in stature and needed better ground and a longer trip.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Cloudy Morning was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer and rider were in breach of Rule 212 (A)(ii). They fined Declan Queally €2,000 and suspended "Cloudy Morning" for 42 days.

Furthermore they suspended B.J. Foley for 5 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.