Chris Timmons and Eddie Cawley© Photo Healy Racing
After the Bet In-Play Ladbrokes App Beginners Chase at Punchestown this evening the Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Fruits Of Glory ridden by Chris Timmons, and trained by Eddie Cawley.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
Chris Timmons stated that his instructions were to settle his mount early on, creep into the race and to do the best he could.
He said his mount is a difficult type that runs very free when in company and chokes when he puts himself under pressure.
He said his mount choked early on in this race and throughout but despite this, he felt he jumped well apart from the last, before staying on well past tired horses in the closing stages.
He referred to his mounts previous runs and felt that if he rode his mount out any stronger in the closing stages, he would have fallen.
Eddie Cawley confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride.
He referred to his charges previous form and how difficult the animal is to settle in his races and that he rides out alone at home in an attempt to get him to relax.
He said his charge is of limited ability but appeared to like the ground and trip and that he was delighted at how well his charge jumped today.
He concluded by saying that the rider could have ridden stronger in the closing stages, but felt this would have caused him to fall and that in knowing the horse as well as he does, it was the best way to ride him.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Fruits Of Glory was found to be post race normal and to be sound to trot on a hard surface. samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212.A(ii).
Having taken their previous records in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended Chris Timmons for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee, they fined Edward Cawley €3,000 and suspended Fruits Of Glory for 60 days.
Furthermore, the Stewards found Chris Timmons in breach of Rule 213, in that he had failed to report at the first instance, something which may have affected the performance of his horse in a race and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended him for 2 racedays.
