Peter Fahey trainer of Realta Dawn© Photo Healy Racing
The Stewards at Down Royal enquired into the running and riding of Realta Dawn and Justice Ears who finished tenth and fifth respectively, in the opening Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle.
Below are the full reports from both enquiries.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Realta Dawn, ridden by K.C. Sexton, and trained by Peter Fahey.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
The rider stated that his instructions were to jump off towards rear and try to switch the filly off as she is a keen sort. He was flat out from the third last and his mount didn't pick up. He applied the whip twice after the last where he passed only tired horses. He felt that the filly needs to learn to switch off and settle.
The trainer confirmed the instructions. He expressed himself satisfied with the ride and stated that this filly was having her first run for him and from his experience of her she is a keen filly that needed to be dropped-in.
She was fitted with ear plugs today to help her settle. She was 100 percent fit and the good ground was suitable. He felt that this is a filly that travels well but does not quicken.
Evidence was also heard from the IHRB NH Handicapper, Mr. S. Quinn, who stated that this filly was having her third run today and would ordinarily be handicapped after this run, it had run to a similar level to its last run but its first run appeared to be its best run to date.
The Stewards also received a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer who reported that this filly was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Justice Ears, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and trained by David Peter Dunne.
J.W. Kennedy, stated that his instructions were to jump away last and try to settle his mount as the horse can be free, once settled he was instructed to ride his race.
In the race his mount failed to settle and raced very, very freely throughout. He stated that after the first hurdle his mount never dropped the bit thoughout but he nursed the horse home as best he could.
David Peter Dunne, confirmed the instructions given to the rider that the horse was to be dropped out and settled if possible.
He expressed himself satisfied with the ride and stated that this horse is prone to running keen since the days when he raced over shorter distances on the flat.
The only way to ride him was, in his opinion, to either make all or drop him out completely. He is of the opinion that the horse only just stays two miles.
The IHRB NH Handicapper, Mr. S. Quinn, stated that this was the horse's third run over hurdles today and that the run represented the horse's best run over hurdles to date.
The Stewards also received a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer who reported that the horse was post race normal.
Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
