He'llberemembered (Jonathan Burke, nearside) and Sadler's Risk (Andrew Lynch) do battle© Photo Healy Racing
Well-backed favourite Jennies Jewel came to grief at the fifth in the Free Festival Upgrade Ticket Offer Hurdle and in the end it was the similarly well-supported Sadler's Risk (9/2 into 7/2) that passed the post in front. However he was to lose Punchestown's third race in the steward's room on a technicality.
An enquiry was called into the weighing in procedure of Andrew Lynch, who rode Sadler's Risk for Henry De Bromhead. Lynch weighed in 4lbs light but he was weighed out at the same weight.
Sadler's Risk had got home by a head from He'llberemembered
The Paul Fahey-trained, Jonathan Burke-ridden 33/1 shot He'llberemembered was then awarded the race.
Sadler's Risk weighed out and weighed in 4lb light. The matter has been referred on to the Turf Club for further investigation.
Speaking before the result of the enquiry, De Bromhead said: "He battled really well and Andrew gave him a super ride.
"The main aim will be the World Hurdle back here in April. He doesn't seem to like Cheltenham and his only poor run for us was in the Coral Cup.
"He may go for the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park next month if that doesn't come too soon.
"He won his beginners' chase at Roscommon impressively and it's possible he could go back over fences for something like the (Galway) Plate in the summer."
Sadler's Risk's owner Roger Brookhouse said: "It's obviously disappointing. I watched the race and then went back out on the farm.
"I didn't know what had happened until Henry rang me.
"The trainer and the jockey aren't involved. Unfortunately he (Lynch) was weighed out wrong.
"Hopefully getting his head back in front will do the horse a world of good."
De Bromhead later said: "It's very disappointing.
"(The jockey) weighed out 4lb light and weighed in 4lb light.
"That (he got his head in front) is a small consolation for all his connections."
The Stewards enquired into the weight carried (11st) by the winner Sadler's Risk as compared with the weight (11st 4lbs) set by the conditions of the race and as printed on the racecard.
Ion Hamilton, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales admitted that he had weighed out A.E. Lynch, rider of Sadler's Risk, at 11st and had weighed him in post race at 11st 1lb. He was unable to explain how he had made this error as everything was correctly printed on his racecard.
A.E. Lynch, rider, stated that his valet had prepared his saddle prior to him presenting himself at scales and believing that everything was in order he did not comply with rule 197 whereby he shall declare to the Clerk of the Scales at the time of weighing out the weight that his mount is to carry.
Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Sadler's Risk, stated that he was present at the time of weighing out and was satisfied that the rider and Clerk of the Scales had everything in order. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that there was a breach of Rule 230 (iii) whereby Sadler's Risk had carried less than the weight it should carry in accordance with the conditions of the race and therefore disqualified Sadler's Risk with the amended result to read; First - He'llberemembered, Second - Daneking (GB), Third - Bog Warrior and Fourth - Blackmail (FR). The Stewards referred the matter to the Turf Club for a full investigation.
(AM & EM)
