O'Farrell back in the winning groove Katie O'Farrell, concussed in a fall at Thurles 12 days ago, bounced back to land the Premier Jumps Racing Weekend November 29th & 30th Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse aboard Snapchat. The Kilkenny woman won on this fellow at the Listowel Festival and here they looked to be getting the better of Lindas Choice and Ricky Doyle when that pair came to grief at the last. Snapchat eventually crossed the line twenty lengths clear of Acriveen. Meanwhile joint favourite Colla Pier, who had shaped all over a winner from three out, eventually faded into sixth. Winning owner, and partner of trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon, Rachel O'Neill said: "He's in again on Sunday and he'll probably run if he's okay in the morning. Katie gave him a fine ride." The Stewards fined John J. Maguire, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Gorgeous Gael, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order. The Stewards received a report from Mr.P.W.Murtagh, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R.T. Dunne, rider of Gorgeous Gael, weighed in at two lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record in this regard, suspended him for three race day's and referred him to Dr.McGoldrick, Turf Club Medical Officer, to review his minimum riding weight. The Stewards interviewed M.F. Mooney, rider of Augher Castle, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3.(g), in that he used the whip with his arm above shoulder height and having considered his record, suspended him for three race day's. Furthermore the rider was instructed to attend RACE for one day's tuition on the use of the whip. (AM & EM)
