Fairyhouse stewards issue hefty suspensions Connections of Sam's Favourite found themselves in hot water with Fairyhouse's race day Stewards today, having finished tenth on handicap debut in the William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle. The report reads.. The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Sam's Favourite, ridden by D.J. O'Connor, and trained by A.D. Leahy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.J. O'Connor stated that his instructions were to jump off eighth or ninth but his mount was very keen to post so he jumped off last. He added that he had a blow after the second last and felt he had run his race. A.D. Leahy confirmed that the instructions were to jump off eighth or ninth and he expressed his dissatisfaction with how far back the horse was ridden. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Sam's Favourite was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations given by A. D. Leahy. They were however satisfied that D. J. O'Connor was in breach of Rule 212 and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended D. J. O'Connor for fourteen race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards suspended Sam's Favourite for sixty days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212C(d).
