Donoghue picks up four days suspension Keith Donoghue was given a four days suspension under Rule 212(i) for his ride on Westland Row (finished 11th) in the David Trundley Artist Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday. Please find detailed below the full stewards room report on the matter: The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Westland Row, ridden by K.M. Donoghue and trained by Gordon Elliott. Evidence was heard from the trainer, rider and Mr Andrew Shaw, Turf Club N.H Handicapper. Mr Shaw stated that Westland Row had good runs in I.N.H.S Flat races with time between races but had now run four races in the last month which included three quick runs over hurdles with today being the qualifying race for a handicap mark. Gordon Elliot acknowledged the handicappers assessment but added that the owners were keen to keep running this animal which in his opinion may be best suited for a race in the north of England or a similar race here on better ground. He added that this animal is a very nervous type and that he had instructed the rider to jump off between half to three quarters way back in the field, get him to settle and jump and to do his best but not to hit him if nothing is happening. Having viewed the video he felt that the horse was too far back and that the rider had misjudged how far the leaders were ahead of him. K.M. Donoghue confirmed the instructions and added that while his mount was keen early on, he settled well but found himself too far back in the field in a strong run race. He expected the runners to come back to him but accepted about four furlongs out that this was not going to happen and did not persevere on him. He concluded that his mount did run on in the closing stages passed tired horses and felt overall that he had misjudged the race and possibly could have finished closer if ridden to instructions. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Westland Row was post race normal but of nervous disposition. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation of Gordon Elliot. They were, however, of the opinion that K.M. Donoghue was in breach of Rule 212(i) and consequently suspended him for 4 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
