Vintage Year Enquiry The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Vintage Year, ridden by Michael Cleere, and trained by Thomond O´Mara. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Michael Cleere stated that he was instructed to settle his mount rear of mid division, to take his time and ride him to get the trip. In running he stated that his mount was very slowly away and moved poorly throughout. He added that he ran very short of room in the straight but felt under the circumstances that he had ridden his mount to obtain his best possible placing. Mr O´Mara stated that his charge suffers badly from arthritis but in his opinion was fit to run today. He added that he felt his charge is most difficult to keep sound, swims on a regular basis and changed his legs throughout today´s race. He added that he was disappointed with the way the race had panned out but accepted what his rider had told him post race. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that this animal was 1 tenth lame post race but the trainer stated that this was a normal condition for his charge and also stated that his charge was as sound today as he ever will be. Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both Thomond O´Mara and Michael Cleere were in breach of rule 212 and that Vintage Year had not been allowed to run on it´s merits and therefore imposed a fine of E1500 on Mr O´Mara, suspended M A Cleere for 14 race days and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee and also suspended Vintage Year from racing for 60 days.
