Foley suspended for nine days following winning ride Shane Foley was suspended for nine days for improper riding following Moonlit Sun’s (9/4f) success in Naas’ concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden today, which had provided both the jockey and trainer Jessica Harrington with doubles. Placed third on debut in a smart course maiden in May, the Moyglare Stud-owned-and-bred filly was short of room behind the leaders over a furlong out in today’s race. Having manoeuvred right-handed in the final furlong, Moonlit Sun bumped against eventual runner-up White Sand Beach and while a stewards’ enquiry was called, the winner had scored comfortably at the line, so the result stood. At the subsequent enquiry, Foley was adjudged to be in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly (his second offence) and received a nine-day suspension. Following the race Harrington, earlier successful with the Foley-partnered Oro Blanco in a two-runner match, confirmed “Moonlit Sun was just green but won easily. “She’s a nice filly and she’ll probably step up to mile-and-a-quarter next. I don’t know where we go but we’ll probably look for a bit of black-type, maybe in a fillies Listed race.” The raceday enquiry reads: The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Moonlit Sun, ridden by S. Foley, placed first, and White Sand Beach (USA), ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed second, where it appeared White Sand Beach (USA) received sustained interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. W.M. Lordan stated that he received interference, his mount was staying on and his filly was inconvenienced. S. Foley stated that he sat behind the leaders, his filly was having her second run and he edged into a gap and his filly changed her legs and rolled out. He further stated that he won snugly. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Moonlit Sun had caused interference to White Sand Beach (USA) she did not improve her finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that S. Foley, had intentionally interfered with White Sand Beach and as such was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly (second offence) and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for nine race days. Quotes from Gary Carson
