Barry Browne was banned for 7 days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee, after finishing eighth on Witness Cant State in the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan this evening.

The stewards enquired into the running and riding of this Martin Brassil trained gelding, and the full stewards report is below:

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Witness Cant State (FR), ridden by B. Browne, and trained by Martin Brassil.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. B. Browne stated that his instructions were to jump off handy and to slot into the best possible position.

He was satisfied with how the race went for him, he jumped off in a good position, his mount made a mistake early on however recovered well.

B. Browne stated that he pushed for home going into the second last hurdle, however his mount couldn't go with other horses.

He felt that was going backwards in the closing stages despite riding at his strongest without using his whip.

In his opinion his mount might prefer easier ground.

Martin Brassil confirmed the instructions given to B. Browne and stated that he was satisfied with how his charge ran today considering he wasn't certain about running him on today's ground and that he was off the track since last year.

Mr Brassil also stated that it was the first time that B. Browne had ridden for him and that he wasn't familiar with his riding style.

In his opinion, he felt that perhaps he could have ridden with more hands and heels from the third last hurdle.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Witness Cant State was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered by Martin Brassil but were of the opinion that B. Browne was in breach of Rule 212 A (ii), in that he was not seen to make a genuine attempt to make a timely, real and substantial effort to achieve his best possible place.

Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended B. Browne for 7 racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee.