Apprentice Gary Halpin, who has enjoyed a fine campaign, ended his season on a sour note when he was handed a 21-day ban at Navan this afternoon.

The stewards enquired into the running and riding of Gaoth Tire after the John Feane-trained filly finished fifth in the opening Kells Maiden.

Halpin appeared to give the 50/1 shot a tender ride and the stewards duly suspended him under rule 212 which states:-

"The Rider of every horse shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given a full opportunity to win or of obtaining the best possible place."

Halpin was also forced to forfeit his riding fee.

The following is the Turf Club report:-

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Gaoth Tire, placed fifth,ridden by Gary Paul Halpin and trained by John James Feane. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Gary Paul Halpin, stated that this was his first time to be united with this filly and was instructed to jump out, get her balanced, get her to come home and give her a flick if the need arose. He added that in running she travelled well into the dip but began to paddle in the soft underfoot condition when he gave her a slap on the offside shoulder. He added that he thought that the filly was trying to move inwards and he elected to kept a good hold of her instead. He admitted that he should have finished closer. John James Feane, trainer, stated that the instructions were as relayed by the rider and he confirmed that he had the freedom to use the whip behind the saddle if he had wished to do so. He added that he was most disappointed with the ride and could see no reason why the filly could not have finished third. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Gaoth Tire was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation. The were of the opinion that Gary Paul Halpin was in breach of Rule 212 by failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his mount was given a full opportunity to win or of obtaining her best possible place and consequently suspended him for 21 racedays along with an order that he forfeit his riding fee.