Flight 'thrown out' as Clontarf awarded race After a lengthy steward's enquiry Misdflight was disqualified from victory in the Barclay Telecom Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal. The Keith Donoghue-ridden Clontarf got the verdict in the steward's room after crossing the line in second. The wandering Misdflight hampered both Clontarf, and the one that passed the post in third position, Vote Of Confidence, and a length and the same split the trio at the line. Denis Hogan trained and rode Misdflight and before weighing in he said: "He ran around a little bit on me. He had a right look and was getting there a bit soon. The race is falling apart and I'm getting there way too soon." The steward's deemed Hogan's offence to be dangerous riding and as a result the chestnut was 'thrown out.' Hogan was also suspended from riding for ten race days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee. Clontarf is trained by Dermot 'Red' McLoughlin. Vote Of Confidence (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy) was moved up to second and Sounds Of Thunder (Ado McGuinness/Shane Shortall) 'got' third. The Stewards enquired into possible interference from the second last hurdle to the line involving Vote Of Confidence (USA), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed third, Clontarf, ridden by K.M. Donoghue, placed second and Misdflight, ridden by D.G. Hogan, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.G. Hogan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode dangerously and therefore disqualified Misdflight. They amended the judge's placings to read 5,4,7,9 and 12. Furthermore having considered his record in this regard, D.G.Hogan was suspended for ten race days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee. (MG & EM)
