Paul Nolan fined over saddle cloth mistake

Trainer Paul Nolan was fined €500 by the Leopardstown stewards following the disqualification of his runner I'm All You Need from second place in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase when the rider weighed in 13 lbs too light.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.Hugh Hynes, that M.P. Fogarty, rider of Fine Article placed fifth, weighed in approximately 13 lbs overweight and Jack Kennedy, rider of I'm All You Need,placed second, weighed in approximately 13 lbs light.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and also from Paul Nolan, trainer of both horses.

The trainer stated that he inadvertently put the lead cloth on the wrong horse, having become distracted when saddling Fine Article, who was very fractious.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards disqualified I'm All You Need, in accordance with Rule 231 and fined the trainer €500, in accordance with Rule 36(iii).