Dermot Weld described Declan McDonogh's efforts on Knowing You as "not his best ride"© Photo Healy Racing
Declan McDonogh's ride on Knowing You a beaten 5/4 favourite in the 8.05 at Gowran this evening, came in for much comment afterwards. The Moyglare Stud Farm and Dermot Weld filly finished fourth to Beach Wedding after never being put in a challenging position in the mile event.
The stewards took a dim view which is detailed below.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Knowing You, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, and trained by D. K. Weld.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
D.P. McDonogh, stated that his instructions were to jump off handy in the first three or four early on.
He felt he was off the bridle for most of the race and struggled on the ground, running on past tired horses at the finish.
He added she got squeezed for room a furlong and a half out, which did not help.
In addition he added that the filly felt lethargic.
D. K. Weld, stated that she was carrying top weight on today's ground which was not ideal.
He asked the rider to hold on to her a bit to get home.
They had decided prior to the race to come wide in the straight for better ground.
He felt D.P. McDonogh could have been harder on the filly and in his opinion this was not his best ride.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the filly was post race normal.
Samples were also taking for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted Mr. Weld's explanation.
However they found D.P. McDonogh in breach of Rule 212A(ii) and therefore suspended him from riding for 5 racedays and also ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Knowing You, trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
