Tony The Gent wins the Dundalk Claimer, Yuften (orange colours) chases© Photo Healy Racing
Investigations are ongoing in to the controversial Dundalk Claimer held in March, with an IHRB spokesman today reporting the case is “not going away”.
Denis Hogan's stablemates and Tony The Gent and Yuften, both carrying the colours of owner James McAuley, finished first and second in the controversial Claimer held in the days before lockdown.
Both horses captured the lion's share of the betting market for the 10 runner race, with eventual winner Tony The Gent being backed from 15/8 to 10/11 favourite before beating stablemate Yuften, who had drifted from 8/11 to 6/4, into second.
Yuften's performance was an eye-catcher as he missed the break, then received a waiting ride before staying on well for a never dangerous second in the closing stages. Yuften was later reported to be lame and on the day the case was referred to the CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board for further investigation.
Today a spokesman for the IHRB stated “it is a detailed investigation and the timeline wasn't helped by the Covid crisis. There were delays in the investigation as a result.
“We are looking into all aspects of the race and the case is not going away.”
Separately the IHRB is also investigating the improvement in form of the Ronan McNally trained pair The Jam Man and Dreal Deal.
Both horses' improved performances warranted race-day stewards to refer three cases for further investigation.
The spokesman added “again these are also detailed investigations. It takes time to look into all aspects of both horses and while nothing is certain to go to a hearing, it will be the new year before the cases are concluded.”
The Jam Man's improved form on the flat, when finishing second on handicap debut at Limerick on September 11, was referred to the Referrals Committee while Dreal Deal, who is now a Grade 1 Christmas Challow Hurdle-entry, was referred twice to the same Committee.
Dreal Deal's improved hurdle form was sent for investigation following his gambled win at Navan on September 19 and on October 11, his improved flat form was also sent for further investigation following an easy win at Limerick.
