Definite Earl pictured on his way to victory at Ballinrobe last May© Photo Healy Racing
Definite Earl caught the attention of the Stewards at Ballinrobe this evening after the gelding finished a staying on second in the second race on the card.
The Stewards found his rider Robbie Colgan and his trainer David Broad to be in breach of Rule 212.
Colgan was handed a 21 day ban while Broad was fined E2,000.
Definite Earl was also banned from racing for sixty days.
Later on the card Colgan and Broad combined to win the fourth with Bringerofthedawn
The full Stewards report is below:
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Definite Earl, ridden by R.C. Colgan, and trained by D.Broad.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
R.C. Colgan, stated that his instructions were to jump behind the leaders, get settled and pick up as much prizemoney as possible.
In the race he jumped off behind the leaders but struggled and never travelled. He nursed him home and he ran on for second passing beaten horses after the last. He stated that he squeezed and hunted the horse along throughout.
D.Broad, confirmed the instructions to the rider. He felt that the front runners would take each other on in front and he wanted his horse settled behind them.
He stated the horse previously stopped to a walk in Sligo and was having his first run back after a break in Limerick last time.
He was fit and well today but stated that the horse has made a noise at home so a tongue strap was applied today.
He stated that he was very satisfied with the ride. His future plans with the horse were to mix it with hurdles and chasing in the medium term.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Definite Earl was examined and found to be post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found D. Broad and R.C. Colgan in breach of Rule 212 and having taken their records into account fined D. Broad €2000, suspended R.C. Colgan for 21 days and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee and suspended Definite Earl from racing for 60 days.
