Forgotten Rules and Robbie McNamara in splendid isolation© Photo Healy Racing
Rarely does any horse live up to their billing, particularly an unraced bumper performer, in the style with which the Moyglare Stud Farm-owned and Dermot Weld-trained Forgotten Rules (evens) landed the finale on day one of the Punchestown Festival, the Finlay Motor Group INH Flat Race.
Robbie McNamara 's mount got a lovely gap on the rail to run into from before the straight.
Without being asked a question the Nayef gelding sprinted clear in the final quarter mile, defeating second favourite Alamein by thirteen lengths.
Weld explained: "He's potentially a very, very nice horse. We've always liked him. He's a stayer with speed and that's obviously what I enjoy training.
"We've taken our time with him – we've been very patient. He's only four and there's lots to look forward too.
"I'll speak to the owners and we'll decide what to do. He might even be left off for the summer.
"I trained the dam – she was a good filly and she was fourth in the 1000 Guineas. It's a lovely family – I've trained most of them and they are good horses."
The Stewards fined James Daniel Dullea, trainer, €130 for lodging a passport in respect of Kalanisi Express in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
The Stewards received a report from Mr P. L Malone, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr R.P. McNamara , rider of Forgotten Rules , weighed in at 1.7 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. R.P. McNamara was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for five race days and referred him to the Turf Club Medical Officer.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Akito (FR), ridden by Mr K.E. Power, and trained by Philip Fenton. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Mr K.E. Power, stated that his instructions were to jump off in the last four or five, get his mount settled, run as well as he could. He felt the ground was a bit fast for the horse. In addition he stated that he ran green and changed his legs. He also felt he made a noise in running. He added that he sat quiet to give the horse every chance and he stayed on very well in the straight. Philip Fenton, stated that this horse has never worked on grass but he wanted to finish as close as he could today without being hit He added that the horse would improve for the run and overall he was pleased with the way the horse was ridden and the way he ran.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that the horse was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that there was a breach of Rule 212 and therefore suspended Mr. K.E. Power for 10 racedays for making insuffient effort, fined Mr. Fenton €2000 and suspended Akito (FR) for sixty days. (GC & EM)
