Charlie Mullins up and running - with a little help from the stewards

In what was effectively an open and shut case the placings of the first two were reversed in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction INH Flat Race at Fairyhouse. It Could Be You got the verdict in the steward’s room to credit Charlie Mullins with his first success in the saddle.

On an excellent afternoon for the Mullins clan, Charlie was following on from his brother David’s earlier brace, whilst father Tom won the novice chase with Court Maid

Over at Newmarket Takarengo finished third in the Cesarewitch for the Doninga outfit, that big prize going to brother Willie with Great White Shark.

Young Charlie, already famous after his appearance with mother Helen and brother David after the latter’s Grand National triumph on Rule The World in 2016, was having his fourth ride.

He got carried right across the track by the Harry Swan-ridden Mind Your Money and the grey was just a short head down at the line.

As a press-room colleague used to sing in such circumstances, “he’ll have to go,” á la Jim Reeves, and in this case she had to go, the she being Kayf Tara filly Mind Your Money.

Hurdling last time and switched back for this assignment, It Could Be You didn’t go un-backed as a 16/1 shot. He was bringing up a 48/1 double for Tom.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving It Could Be You, ridden by Mr C. Mullins, placed second and Mind Your Money (GB), ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, placed first, where it appeared that Mind Your Money (GB) drifted towards It Could Be You and interference may have taken place as a consequence.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mind Your Money (GB) had improved her position over It Could Be You by causing interference and therefore reversed the placings with the amended result now to read; First; It Could Be You, Second; Mind Your Money (GB).

Furthermore the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr H.C. Swan had ridden carelessly and suspended him for 3 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

Ms. Mary O'Connor, Acting Steward, absented herself from this enquiry

The Stewards interviewed Mr H.C. Swan, rider of Mind Your Money (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr H.C. Swan was in breach of R10(3)(a) by using his whip in front of the saddle in the forehand position, R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(i) by using his whip without allowing his mount at least three strides to respond.

Having taken his good previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr H.C. Swan for 4 racedays and instructed him to attend R.A.C.E for one days tuition on the correct use of the whip.

Ms Mary O'Connor, Acting Steward, absented herself from this enquiry.

(GC & EM)