The Denis Hogan trained Meadow Cross was suspended from racing for 42 days after she finished fourth in the Daily Mirror Mares Beginners Chase at Down Royal this evening.

Furthermore her jockey Shane Mulcahy was handed a five day ban and ordered to forfeit his riding fee.

Below is the full Stewards report:

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Meadow Cross, ridden by S.A. Mulcahy, and trained by Denis Gerard Hogan.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. S.A. Mulcahy, stated that as it was his mount's first run over fences, that he was instructed to keep her in mid division, to pop away and give her confidence and not to give her a fall in running.

S.A. Mulcahy added that the mare jumped indifferently and was on and off the bridle. The mare was going nowhere four fences out but he pushed her on down the hill by going through the motions in the latter stages.

Denis Gerard Hogan, stated that the rider has little experience, is still weak and is learning how to push a horse on.

D.G. Hogan confirmed the instructions given to S.A. Mulcahy and felt that if the mare was given a chance early on she might come home well.

He stated that in running the mare was going nowhere five fences out and that the rider gave her a chance and that she only stayed on into fourth through the misfortune of other horses.

He further added that he thought the mare ran a good race but he would have liked the rider to have shown more strength in the finish.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Meadow Cross was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that S.A. Mulcahy was in breach of rule 212 A (ii) and therefore suspended him for five race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

Furthermore the Stewards noted D.G. Hogan's explaination and suspended Meadow Cross for 42 days as a consequence of the rider's actions.

Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer of Meadow Cross, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge sustained cuts to her hind legs.