Jockey Barry Geraghty has been hit with a 30 day suspension following his ride on the J.P. McManus owned second-placed Noble Emperor in a highly controversial running of the Book Online at www.limerickraces.ie handicap hurdle at Limerick today.

The performance of Noble Emperor attracted the attention of the Stewards and while Geraghty was banned for 30 days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee having been in breach of Rule 212 (which covers not allowing a horse to run on his merits), the horse was banned from racing for 60 days and his trainer Tony Martin was handed a E3,000 fine.

The race was won by Velocity Boy which raced with a clear lead throughout and while Noble Emperor appeared to give chase in the home straight, Geraghty's ride, along with the rides of the other beaten horses, attracted the attention of the Stewards.

Velocity Boy passed the post 11 lengths in front of Noble Emperor and following the race, the seven beaten riders (apart from winning jockey Barry Cash) were each called before the Stewards with Robbie Colgan's case being referred to the Turf Club, as he left immediately after the race.

Apart from Colgan's pending case, the rides given to all the beaten horses, with the exception of Geraghty's mount, were 'noted'.

In the enquiry, Noble Emperor was reported to have returned having pulled a left front shoe and following the decision of the Stewards, Geraghty expressed his shock but did not wish to comment.

The report reads:

“The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Noble Emperor, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A.J.Martin, stated that his instructions were to get some cover and try switch him off, bearing in mind that the horse can be keen. He added that the horse has disappointed in the past but should have enjoyed today's heavy conditions over two miles, despite having form over further. He expressed satisfaction with the ride and that the lost shoe had no bearing on the run on today's ground. Evidence was also heard from B.J.Geraghty who confirmed the instructions adding that the horse needs to be covered up and delivered late. He added that the winner quickly established a good lead at the start and circumstance meant that he was unable to chase the leader until the straight as he was riding strictly to instructions. He confirmed that the horse felt healthy at all stages. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Noble Emperor was post race normal, having lost a left fore shoe. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 212 having failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to give his mount the full opportunity to win or obtain his best possible place and having considered his record suspended him for thirty race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore the stewards also found A.J.Martin in breach of Rule 212 and having considered his record,fined him €3,000 and suspended Noble Emperor for sixty days.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Cliff House ridden by B.T. O'Connell, and trained by John J. Walsh. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. B.T. O'Connell, stated that his instructions were to drop his horse in and be last to challenge. He added that the ground was very testing for his charge who struggled to get home in the conditions. He took it upon himself to race more prominently, against instructions as the winner was getting away. John J. Walsh, confirmed the instructions and added his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Cliff House was post race normal having sustained an overreach. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Blacklough ridden by A.E. Lynch, and trained by Henry de Bromhead. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's representative,Eddie Ryan. A.E. Lynch, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in mid-division and get him jumping well. He added that his charge needs better ground and never travelled. Eddie Ryan confirmed the instructions, added that the horse was having his first run in eighteen months on ground softer than ideal. He also expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Blacklough was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Lord Ben ridden by D. Robinson, and trained by Henry de Bromhead. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer's representative, Eddie Ryan. D. Robinson, stated that his instructions were to drop his charge in, get him settled and jumping, bearing in mind he can be a bit keen.

He added that the horse needs better ground and struggled in the conditions. Eddie Ryan, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Lord Ben was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

The Stewards intended to enquire into the running and riding of Definite Earl ridden by R.C. Colgan, and trained by D.Broad. R.C. Colgan had left the track and was unable to be interviewed. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Definite Earl was post race normal. In the circumstance the Stewards referred the matter to the Turf Club for further investigation.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mr Cosmopolitan ridden by J.M. Moore, and trained by J.T.R.Dreaper. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. J.M. Moore, stated that his instructions were to jump out handy and go with the pace. He added that the horse jumped out but was never really travelling and ultimately tired. J.T.R.Dreaper, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Mr Cosmopolitan was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.”