The Naas stewards today handed suspensions and penalties to connections of Mountain Close the 15th place finisher in the opening Naas Racecourse on Facebook Maiden Hurdle. The gelding was today making his debut.

The report reads as follows:

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mountain Close, ridden by P D Kennedy, and trained by Mr Mark Michael McNiff.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and also from Mr JJ Gerard, Authorised Rep for the Trainer. P D Kennedy stated that his instructions were to take his time and ride his horse to finish as well as he could. In running he stated that his mount was keen early and also ran in snatches away from the stands.

Furthermore he added that mistakes at the 3rd and 4th last caused him to lose momentum and also stated that he was unable to be as strong as he would have wished in the home straight as his mount was hanging badly left and he was forced to keep a tight hold on the rein with his right hand in order to avoid causing interference to the horses on his inside.

Mr J J Gerard confirmed the instructions and added that he was of the opinion that P D Kennedy had ridden to instructions. Furthermore he stated that this horse had never hung before in his work at home and added that he felt that he has some ability and shapes like a stayer in the making.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Mountain Close was P R Normal.

Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mountain Close had not been allowed to run on its merits and that P D Kennedy and Mr Mark Michael McNiff were in breach of rule 212 and therefore after taking their respective records into account fined Mr McNiff €2000 (though his Rep) suspended P D Kennedy for 14 race days and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee and also suspended Moutain Close from racing for 60 days.