Bobby Jean and Tom Madden winning the mile handicap© Photo Healy Racing
Bobby Jean is proving a grand servant to Moone trainer Tara Cogan this term, and the daughter of Jeremy recorded her second success of the campaign when taking the P G Duffy & Sons Citroen Handicap at the Curragh.
However that only tells half the story as Michael Hussey, rider of the runner-up My Painter was hit with a 14-day suspension in a controversial finish.
The two principals were separated by nearly the width of the track and Hussey, right on the stands side rail aboard My Painter, failed to drive out the 33/1 chance in the closing stages and was beaten half a length. Northern Surprise could find no extra in the final 100 yards and was a further two lengths back in third, with The Carbonator in fourth.
Hussey stated afterwards before the stewards that he was unaware of Bobby Jean on the far side until passing the line and admitted he should have won.
The stewards found him in breach of Rule 212 (a)(i) in that he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that the horse was given a full opportunity to win or of obtaining her best possible place.
They consequently suspended him for 14 race-days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
The ban begins on May 18 and means Hussey will miss the Irish Guineas weekend at the Curragh.
Cogan said, "She loves that heavy ground. We had thought about giving her a break but she comes out of her races so well and, if the ground stays soft, we may keep going.
"Tom (Madden) gave her a great ride. She's a real tough filly, and hopefully she'll strengthen up in time and go over hurdles.
"She's owned by my mother and my husband Liam (Browne)."
