Leigh Roche and Dermot Weld - rider and trainer of Eziyra© Photo Healy Racing
Below are the Stewards reports from Tipperary today, which includes a running and riding enquiry into the performance of Eziyra who finished an eye-catching second in the opening race on the card.
177A Glenvale Stud EBF M'dn
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Eziyra, ridden by L.F. Roche, and trained by D. K. Weld. Evidence was heard from the rider and from the trainer's representative Paddy O'Brien. L.F. Roche, stated that his instructions were to try to settle and teach the filly and get her to finish the race out well.
He added that she is keen at home and he was instructed not to use the whip. He concluded by saying that his mount is green and was caught flat-footed when they quickened up turning in, before staying on close home.
Paddy O'Brien, confirmed the instruction and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He reiterated that the filly was not to be hit behind the saddle but the instructions were to win if possible. He also stated that the horse had a bad gash on her flanks post race.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Eziyra was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
177B1 Costello's Tavern H'cap
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined No Way Jack trained by Patrick Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the failure to withdraw Billyford on time from this race. Evidence was heard from Joe Kelly, assistant to the Clerk of the scales, who stated that he picked up the bundle of paperwork from the office before the close of the race card as normal. He noticed that some of the required documents had not been printed off so he requested the office secretary to do so.
There was quite a bit of junk mail and he did notice an illegible sheet of paper in minute print, which he believed to be junk. It later transpired that this was in fact an email from the trainer of Billyford, instructing his horse to be withdrawn from this race.
Evidence was also heard from Andrew Hogan, racecourse manager who stated that the printer was working on the day but that his secretary was doing the job for the first time.
Evidence was also heard from Avena O'Keeffe, Clerk of the Scales who stated that the first she heard of any issue was when the jockey informed her that the colours had not arrived.
Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the Chief Executive of The Turf Club.
177B2 Costello's Tavern H'cap
R.P. Downey, rider of Smiling Emily trained by G.A. Kingston, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost her position in the back straight.
The Stewards interviewed M.C. Hussey, rider of Hard Times concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.
The Stewards requested a report from J.F. Levins, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Hard Times, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his penultimate start in Limerick, when finding the good to firm going too quick.
Regarding his last run in Sligo he felt that the horse did not act on the track. He concluded that the removal of cheekpieces, coupled with the return to a track which suits his charge, helped the horse return to form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
177E Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes H'dle
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Avena O'Keeffe, that D.F. O'Regan, rider of The Tullow Tank placed sixth, failed to weigh in.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 227(i) and having considered his clean record in this regard, suspended him for two race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
Furthermore The Tullow Tank was disqualified in accordance with Rule 230(ii) and the judge's placings amended accordingly.
177G Boomerang Animal Bedding M'dn H'dle
D.N. Russell, rider of Smartplan trained by Joseph Dullea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly and was pulled up.
