Townend, Flood & Burns receive suspensions Three riders were suspended at Roscommon this evening for incidents in the first, fourth and sixth races. Paul Townend was suspended for three days for his ride on Mulleady in the opening contest and below is the Stewards report: The Stewards enquired into the conduct and behaviour in the closing stages of P. Townend, rider of Mulleady, placed third, trained by Mr AJ Martin, where it appeared he gave the impression of hitting his mount four times with his whip in the run in, when in reality he failed to connect with any of them. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who admitted he failed to hit his mount on these four occasions. He said that in his opinion he had given the mare a bad ride having left her with too much to do, and he got caught in two minds between hitting his mount or going easy on the mare, because he felt he was always going to obtain his best possible finishing position of third place. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion P. Townend was in breach of Rule 272 in that his conduct and behaviour was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing, and taking into account his good disciplinary record in general, they suspended him for 3 racedays. In the fourth race Paddy Flood was suspended for five days for failing to obtain the best possible position on his mount Bean Chroi Bhriste and below is the Stewards report: The Stewards interviewed PW Flood, rider of Bean Chroi Bhriste, placed fourth after it appeared he stopped riding for the last number of strides and lost third place. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount had nothing more to give and was curling up under him late on. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion PW Flood was in breach of Rule 212 (a) (i) in that he failed to obtain his best possible placing and they suspended him for 5 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. In the six race Mr Joe Burns was suspended for three days for careless riding and below is the Stewards report: The Stewards enquired into an incident turning out of the backstraight involving Connaught Manor, ridden by Mr PW Mullins, winner, Top Cat Henry, ridden by Mr JE Burns, placed second, Lismacbryan Sue, ridden by Mr AD Doyle, slipped up, Jog Along Jack, ridden by Mr RP Geoghegan, brought down, and Thunder Hill, ridden by Mr GB Watters, brought down. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned with the exception of Mr GB Watters, who had departed the racecourse for further medical attention. Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Mr JE Burns was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 3 racedays.
