Tony Martin was fined €600 by the Limerick Stewards for the late withdrawals of Benefficient and Gift Of Dgab

Below is the Stewards the report.

Meeting: LIMERICK DAY 1

Date; SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2013

Race: 5 AND 6 (NH)

The Stewards enquired into the late withdrawal at 3.51 p.m of Benefficient (4.20 Race) and Gift Of Dgab (4.50 Race) both trained by A.J. Martin where coughing was offered as the reason.

A.J. Martin stated that he arrived around the time of the first race (2.05 p.m) and was informed around that time by his head travelling man Michael Cromwell that both of these horses had coughed.

He was made aware that they had been bedded on clean shavings and did not have a muzzle applied. He admitted that he also had concerns about the ground and while he was prepared to possibly take a chance with the odd cough he had his thoughts altered when watching later races and the manner in which some runners handled the ground.

During this time he was also trying to contact the animals owners but finally conceded when noting that Gift Of Dgab had a previous leg injury and he began to fear the ground. He withdrew both horses for the first known reason of coughing but did admit that he also had concerns about the ground.

He also admitted that some horses had been treated recently for mucus. He apologised for his actions and accepted the implications of his late actions.

Evidence was also heard from Ms Nicola O’Connor, Turf Club veterinary Officer who observed both horses for a length of time determined by the Stewards following their withdrawal.

Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that A.J. Martin was in breach of rule 272 and fined him €600 and cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.