.© Photo Healy Racing
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Lambs Lane ridden by J.P. O'Sullivan, and trained by P.J. Rothwell at Clonmel in race one.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. J.P. O'Sullivan, stated that he was familiar with this animal from schooling him at home.
He said that he was instructed to drop his mount in towards the rear and to try to get him home as there was a doubt that he may not stay as he had shown this tendency in schooling hurdles for a previous trainer.
He described his ride from the start by recalling that he jumped off in the last three or four, travelled away during the early part as well as jumping big early on, crept away up the hill past the stands, got squeezed for room at the next bend, jumped the second hurdle across the top of the track very well but was flat out at this stage and failed to come down the hill.
He said that he had hit his mount five or six times but did not get a major response and on levelling out in the straight his mount passed tired horses in the latter stages.
He added that his mount felt normal at all stages of this race.
P.J. Rothwell, trainer, stated that he had acquired this horse about eight weeks ago for very small money on the description that he was of limited ability and could make a summer horse.
He confirmed the riding instructions and reiterated that his charge was to be ridden to get home.
He expressed his delight with his animal's run and felt that he got a great ride until the top of the hill from which point he felt that the rider could have been more forceful.
He felt that the rider was only showing his mount the whip in the straight.
On viewing the video J.P. O'Sullivan stated that he had ridden as strong as he could and felt that he needed to improve his style.
When questioned on his use of the whip, it was put to the rider that most if not all attempts to hit his mount had failed.
He accepted that he had not made contact all the time but put this down to his riding style.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Lambs Lane was post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.P. O'Sullivan was in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii) and suspended him for 5 racedays and furthermore ordered him to forfeit his riding fee.
The Stewards noted the explanation of P.J. Rothwell and suspended Lambs Lane for 42 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212(A)(v) as a consequence of the actions of the rider.
