Mourad Gets Punchestown Contest Mr. W.P. Mullins, "Mourad" Appeal Punchestown, 31st December, 2008 The Appeals Body, Division Two, Mr J.R. Craigie (in the Chair), Mr. W.M. Halley and Mrs. T.K. Cooper, met in the Stewards Room at Gowran Park on Thursday, 22nd January, 2009, to consider an appeal lodged by Willie Mullins, Trainer, against the decision of the Acting Stewards at Punchestown on 31st December, 2008, when following the running of the Celebrate New Year's Eve at Punchestown 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle Race the Stewards did not alter the Judges placings having held an enquiry into interference following the race in which "Mourad", trained by Willie Mullins, had finished second to "Jumbo Rio", trained by Edward O'Grady. Evidence was heard from Willie Mullins, Trainer of "Mourad", Ruby Walsh, Rider of "Mourad", Edward O'Grady, Trainer of "Jumbo Rio", and Andrew McNamara, Rider of "Jumbo Rio", while a film of the race was also viewed. Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body allowed the Appeal. The result now reads:- First: Mourad, Second: Jumbo Rio, Third: Ebadiyan, Fourth: Celtic Strand. The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.
