Flynn and Barry in hot water at Wexford

Trainer Pat Flynn and jockey Shay Barry have been hit with a fine and suspension respectively by the Stewards at Wexford today, following the running and riding of eleventh placed Mister Music Man which finished 37l behind winner Savello in the opening maiden hurdle.

The report reads:

"The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mister Music Man, ridden by J.R. Barry, and trained by Mr Patrick Joseph Flynn.

Evidence was heard from the rider and the Trainers Authorised Representative. J.R. Barry, stated that Mr Flynn was out of the country but had instructed him to jump off in mid division, get his mount jumping, creep into the race and ride to finish as best as possible. He added that his mount had shown plenty of ability in earlier days and had won a bumper at Downpatrick, but having switched to hurdling he was most disappointing especially the last day at Gowran Park.

Today he jumped off towards the rear and travelled well until the top of the hill and following a drive he emptied going to the second last flight. From this flight he said he gave his mount a nudge to quicken but had nothing to offer and he sat up before the final flight but drove his mount from the last to the winning post. In his opinion this gelding is of limited ability.

Mr Michael Gunn, Authorised Representative of Mr Patrick Joseph Flynn attended this enquiry on his behalf and stated that the instructions were as given.

He confirmed that the gelding looked impressive when winning his bumper. He works well at home and has not experienced any veterinary problems of note. He added that he is very familiar with this geldings career and could only express overall disappointment since his only victory. He was satisfied with J.R. Barry’s riding and considered that the grazes received in running were of no consequence and post race normal was an acceptable veterinary assessment

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Mister Music Man was post race normal except for some grazes on his left fore cannon and right carpus.

Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the trainer and rider were in breach of rule 212.

They suspended J.R. Barry for 7 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. They fined Mr Flynn, through his Authorised Representative €1,000 and suspended Mister Music Man for 42 days."