Solar Heat and Little Folke (right) fight out the finish© Photo Healy Racing
There was a controversial outcome to the Kilmore Maiden Hurdle as Solar Heat was awarded the race in the Clonmel stewards' room, and an enraged Davy Russell suspended for a total of 17 days.
Rachael Blackmore 's mount was never far from the pace but appeared set for minor honours after Little Folke took it up at the second last.
However the Dot Love-trained 9/1 chance rallied strongly on the run-in, and on viewing the head-on camera Little Folke's rider Davy Russell appeared to strike the mare on the head a couple of times in the closing stages as the pair came close together.
Ironically a head separated the pair at the line, with Russellstown finishing strongly only a neck further back in third.
The stewards' action means Blackmore is now on the 12 winner mark for the season, while it also ended a barren run for the successful Mullingar trainer.
Dramatically the stewards' added to Russell's woe by giving him a three days suspension for improper riding, and a whopping 14 days further ban (under Rule 272) due to his conduct in the stewards' room.
The former champion refused to ride for the remainder of the afternoon in protest, and this matter has been referred on to the CEO of the Turf Club.
