Connections of Gallant Oscar which finished fourth in the opener at Punchestown today, found themselves in hot water when the raceday Stewards found they had used the racecourse as a training ground. The report reads:

"The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Gallant Oscar, ridden by Roger Loughran, and trained by Mr.Denis P.Quinn.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his instructions were to settle his mount towards the rear, giving the horse a bit of light bearing in mind that he can be a sketchy jumper and to ultimately try get the horse around and do his best. He added that his mount was off the bridle in the early stages and made a respiratory noise from the third last fence which got progressively worse, before staying on past beaten horses in the straight.

Evidence was heard from Gearoid O’Loughlin, authorised representative for Mr.Denis P. Quinn, trainer, who confirmed the instructions and the fact that the horse has jumped ordinary in the past in point to points. He also added that the horse made a respiratory noise in running on his last start in Punchestown and was subsequently found to have mucus in the lungs on endoscopic examination. He stated that these issues had not been reported to the Turf Club and also confirmed his satisfaction with the ride today.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both trainer and rider were in breach of Rule 212 and having considered their respective records Roger Loughran was suspended for seven race days, the trainer was fined €2,000(through his representative) and Gallant Oscar was suspended for forty two days. Furthermore the trainer was referred to the referrals committee having failed to report matters which may have affected the horse’s past or future performance, in accordance with Rule 213."