Busy Day For Stewards At Gowran

The Stewards of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board found rider Barry Browne and trainer Oliver McKiernan to be in breach of Rule 212.A (ii) over the running and riding of Life Is For Living in the opening Langton House Hotel Maiden Hurdle in which the gelding passed the post in ninth place.

Browne was suspended for five days, McKiernan fined €2,000 and the horse prohibited from racing for 42 days.

Trainer McKiernan was fined a further €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Ard Na Carraig (Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle), in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.

The stewards also enquired into the running and riding of the seventh placed horse in the opening race, Quamino ridden by David Mullins and trained by Paul Nolan. Having heard evidence from those involved and viewed the video of the race the stewards noted the explanations given.

British rider James Bowen may be requested to return to Ireland in the near future to answer questions over his failure to remain at the racecourse having been asked to do so by a stewards secretary.

Bowen's mount in the Goffs Thyestes Chase, Out Sam was found to have been marked after the race and the rider was put on notice that he would be required to attend an enquiry into his use of the whip and was not to leave the racecourse.

When the stewards attempted to hold the enquiry Bowen could not be found on the racecourse and the matter has been referred on to the Referrals Committee.

Below are the details of the stewards' reports:

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Life Is for Living, ridden by B. Browne and trained by Oliver McKiernan. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. B. Browne, stated that his instructions were to drop his mount in, to get him settled and to do the best he could. He said his mount ran with his head up and in his hands throughout and further added that his mount made a bad mistake at the hurdle before the stands when he allowed him time to regather his momentum for a time thereafter. He said he held on to him in the closing stages in an attempt to get home and felt he rode at his strongest without using his whip. Oliver McKiernan, trainer, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He stated that his charge is a very difficult type to train and rides out alone at home in an attempt to keep him relaxed. He referred to his previous runs and how he had ran very free and failed to finish and was happy that the rider had not used his whip in the

closing stages. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Life Is For Living was found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212. A(ii)and having considered both their records, suspended B.Browne for 5 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and fined the trainer €2000. Furthermore, the Stewards suspended Life Is For Living for 42 racedays. Mr. M.C. Hickey, Acting Steward absented himself from this enquiry.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Quamino (GER), ridden by D.J. Mullins, and trained by Paul Nolan. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.J. Mullins, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount as early as possible, try to get him jumping and to do the best he could. He said he travelled very keen, winged the first, had to take his mount off heels and jumped very green throughout. He said he could have ridden more vigorously in the closing stages but felt this would have hindered his chances of finishing. He also referred to the animals previous form and the testing ground conditions and said he rode with both in mind

throughout. He further added that the application of a hood in the future may be of help. Paul Nolan, trainer, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He described his charge as a cowardly type, that is difficult to settle and felt that he would struggle to get home on ground that he described as very heavy. He said today's run was by far the animals best performance and hoped that his charge would learn to settle in future. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Quamino (GER), was found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the

recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewads noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards received a report from Dr. Lynn Hillyer, I.H.R.B Veterinary Officer, that she had observed Out Sam (GB), to be marked post race and confirmed the marks 1 hour later. Mr. L. S. Walsh Stewards Secretary confirmed that he had put James Bowen, rider of Out Sam (GB), on notice to attend a Stewards enquiry in relation to his use of the whip and was not to leave the track. At a later stage the Stewards attemped to hold the enquiry but were unable to do so as the rider had left without permission. This was confirmed by a number of people. In view of the riders failure to attend this enquiry, the Stewards sent the matter to the referrals committee.