David Fitzpatrick after recording his first winner at Dundalk last November© Photo Healy Racing
Apprentice David Fitzpatrick was hit with a 21 day ban at Naas after his ride on Roryslittlesister
Below is the full Stewards report;
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Roryslittlesister, unplaced, ridden by D. Fitzpatrick, and trained by S.M.Duffy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
D. Fitzpatrick stated that his instructions were to drop his mount in, and see how the race goes. He said he took his mount right back after breaking from stalls, but he felt the field were going very fast, and he said he was going flat out and he wanted to keep a hold of her as long as he could.
He stated that he put her into the race one and a half furlongs from the finish and only eased her when he saw a horse clip a heel on his outside close home.
Under questioning he admitted he dropped her out too far, got the pace of the race wrong and said it was an appalling bit of riding.
S.M.Duffy confirmed the instructions were to get cover and try to get her to run as best as she could, but he stated after seeing a replay of the race, he was disgusted with the ride.
He stated that the mares best form is on soft ground, but he needed to get her out and there is a lack of sprints in recent times with an ease in the ground, so he wanted to run her today to run well and take it from there.
He stated he has no plans for her, but will try to find a sprint on suitable ground.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Roryslittlesister was Post Race Normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered by S.M. Duffy.
They were however of the opinion D. Fitzpatrick was in breach of Rule 212 in that he had failed to take all reasonable and permissable measures to obtain his best possible place, and having taken his good record into account, they suspended him for 21 days, ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and instructed him to attend RACE for at least 1 day to improve his race riding knowledge.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Roryslittlesister, trained by S.M.Duffy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
