See also » Gossiper-survives-enquiry-to-give-Mullins--OConnor-double

Following a request from B.G. Crawford, Authorised representative for S.R.B. Crawford, trainer, to explain his reason for the late withdrawal of his charge Lily Du Berlais (GB), the Stewards convened to consider the matter

B.G. Crawford explained that the track was presented in very good condition as suggested by the trainer who had walked the track last evening but following one of their earlier runners today which finished lame and having sought the opinion of their rider P.E. Corbett, they were of the belief that the ground had dried significantly and gone fast which would render it unwise to run their animal. Having considered the matter, the Stewards informed S.R.B. Crawford, through his Authorised representative, that the reason for the late withdrawal of Lily Du Berlais (GB) was accepted and no penalty would be imposed

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving The Gossiper, ridden by M.P

O'Connor, placed first and Esperti, ridden by Mr S. Perry, placed second, where it appeared that The Gossiper continued to drift towards the near rail and may have interfered with Esperti. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In evidence, Mr S. Perry stated that The Gossiper kept coming across towards his mount which put off his horse. He added that he had to check when left against the running rail. M.P. O'Connor stated that he had his whip in the left hand when his mount began to hang very badly to the left and despite all his strength he was unable to straighten him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that interference had taken place but The Gossiper had not improved his placing over Esperti in so doing and therefore made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action

The Stewards received a report from Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter,Mr J.R. Banahan, that M.P

O'Connor, rider of The Gossiper had failed to walk to the marker poles despite his warning to do so. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. In evidence, Mr J.R. Banahan stated that he had clearly instructed the riders to walk to the marker poles but M.P. O'Connor had disobeyed him. M.P. O'Connor accepted that he had failed to walk to the marker poles as requested. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that M.P. O'Connor was in breach of Rule 208(iii). Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended M.P. O'Connor for two racedays

GENERAL INFORMATION The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. Peter Law (Chairman), Mr. Robert William Steele, Mr. C.P. Magnier, Mr. H. Hynes

An I.N.H. flat race for four, five, six and seven years old only that have not won a race under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing other than one or two I.N.H. flat races or N.H. flat races or a combination of such races
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 4lbs 5, 6 and 7-y-o 11st 9lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Winner of an I.N.H. flat race or N.H. flat race 7lb extra Of two such races 10lb extra
Riders - Qualified Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules. Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules (other than Apprentices) who have not lost the right to claim the 7lb allowance under Rule 52 (iii) (up to and including 14th June) may also ride in this race.