Seamie Hefferan (2nd from left) and Johnny Murtagh (right)© Photo Healy Racing
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Tobacco Bay (finished 5th), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, and trained by J.P. Murtagh in the Elusive Pimpernel Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Dundalk tonight.
Tobacco Road was sent off 3/1 second favourite in the race won by odds-on shot Zinat.
Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned.
J.P. Murtagh,trainer, stated that he acquired this filly about seven weeks ago and booked J.A. Heffernan to ride her as he was familiar with her.
He described the filly as being tall, light and weak who would not take any more work and preferably he would have liked more time with her but through lack of opportunities over six or seven furlongs had decided to run her in this one mile race.
He added that he had instructed the rider to drop the filly out, get her to relax, to come home and to do his best.
He further added that the filly ran keen early on and was held together to stay on well and in his opinion he was delighted with the ride.
He informed the Stewards that his horses had not been running great of late.
J.A. Heffernan, rider, confirmed the instructions and added that the riding was left up to himself.
He further added that he did not resort to the whip as he felt that the filly was trying her best and also tiring even though she stayed on.
He described his ride from the start by explaining that the filly popped out well and relaxed holding a good position into the straight at which point she switched inwards and stayed on well by keeping his riding style in rhythm with the filly.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Tobacco Bay was post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.P. Murtagh and J.A. Heffernan were in breach of Rule 212A (ii) and therefore fined J.P. Murtagh €2,000, suspended Tobacco Boy for 42 days and suspended J.A. Heffernan for 5 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
