Running & riding enquiries Below are the Stewards reports into the running and riding of Rathpatrick in the opener at Cork and Foxrock in the sixth at Punchestown. RATHPATRICK - CORK The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Rathpatrick, ridden by J.S. McGarvey, and trained by Eoin Griffin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. J.S. McGarvey, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in mid division early on as his mount can run very free, to give his mount plenty of light at the hurdles and to do the best he could. He stated that his mount settled well in a position further back than he had hoped for but jumped well through out. He added that his mount failed to quicken when asked, but did stay on past beaten horses in the closing stages under a hands and heels ride and opted not to use his whip as he felt his mount was giving his all. Eoin Griffin confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He outlined how fractious his charge got in the saddling area prior to entering the parade ring and explained how temperamental his charge can be, he further added that his charge may benefit from a step up in trip on better ground. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated Rathpatrick was found to be post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no action other than to advise J. S. McGarvey to be seen to make more of an effort in the future. FOXROCK - PUNCHESTOWN The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Foxrock, placed third, ridden by A.P. Heskin, and trained by T.M. Walsh. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A.P. Heskin, stated that his instructions were to jump his mount off 5th or 6th, give him space at his fences, get into a good rhythm and do his best from there. He said early on the race was developing as he planned but after passing the stands, he clipped a heel, stumbled badly and lost his action and from there on he wasn't entirely happy with his mount, with him being behind the bridle from down the back straight. He said from about 4 out he was riding as strong as he could bearing in mind he wasn't entirely happy with how he was moving. T.M. Walsh confirmed the instructions and stated that watching the race live he felt his rider could've been a bit more forceful between 3 out and 2 out, and he could've used his whip at this stage. However his rider explained on dismounting how he wasn't entirely happy with how the horse moved in the second half of the race and as the horse returned to the stable yard, Mr Walsh noticed that his front shoes were missing, and at this stage his riders report made sense and he was satisfied with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Foxrock had pulled off both his front shoes in running and was slightly lame post race. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered by both rider and trainer, but were of the opinion A.P. Heskin was in breach of Rule 213 in that he failed to report in the first instance something that may have affected the running of his mount, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 raceday.
