Enquiry into claimer referred to CEO of IHRB

Hilltop Racing and Denis Hogan had a one two in the claimer at Dundalk this afternoon with the well-backed favourite Tony The Gent (Joey Sheridan) beating original market-leader Yuften (Joe Doyle).

Yuften is rated 92, with Tony The Gent on a mark of 75. Sheridan claimed 7Ibs off Tony The Gent but he still had ten pounds to find on adjusted ratings.

Yuften was on the back foot after a slow start and the soon prominent Tony The Gent eventually beat his staying on stable companion by two and a quarter lengths.

Doyle reported that his mount missed the kick and moved poorly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer stated that Yuften was lame post race and that samples were taken for analysis.

- - Steward's report below

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Yuften (GB), ridden by James J. Doyle, and trained by Denis Gerard Hogan.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

James J. Doyle stated that he was instructed to sit in third, fourth or fifth place and to track his stable companion, Tony the Gent, for as long as he could and to go on to win or finish in the best possible position.

James J. Doyle added that he fell out of the stalls, bustled his mount along, got stuck behind horses, did not have enough pace and moved poorly throughout.

He sat at the rear until he could get enough room to run on, however at that stage the winner was gone on too far and he felt that he lost the race as a result of a bad start.

Denis Gerard Hogan stated that he was expecting a straight forward run whereby his other charge, Tony the Gent, would have made the running but Yuften would finish better.

Denis Gerard Hogan added that initially he was not satisfied with the ride given to Yuften however having viewed the race, spoken to the rider and considering that his charge was lame post race he was of the opinion that his charge could not have finished closer.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Yuften was lame post race and that samples were taken for analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, including betting trends in this race which the Stewards considered to require further investigation, the Stewards felt that they could not conclude the enquiry and they therefore referred the matter to the CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board under Rule 14 (ii) (b).