Colm O'Donoghue© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Colm O'Donoghue was fined E1,000 under Rule 272 by the raceday Stewards at Dundalk due to behaviour which the Stewards deemed 'unacceptable'.
The incident happened following the Derby winning jockey's ride on second placed Servalan in the opening 2yo maiden. The Stewards report for the race reads:
'The Stewards enquired into possible interference about one and a half furlongs from the finish involving Andre Amar ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed first, Ascot Dreamer (GB), ridden by R. Aguiar, placed fourth and Servalan, ridden by C. O'Donoghue, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action. Mr. R. Dore, Acting Steward, did not attend this enquiry.
The Stewards met to consider complaints made by Order of Malta personnel and the Racecourse Vet in relation to the attitude and behaviour of Colm O'Donoghue, rider of Servalan, when they offered their assistance when he had become detached from his mount when pulling up after this race. Mr David MacGuinness, Racecourse Vet, stated that he clearly identified himself to Colm O'Donoghue, rider, before asking him about the well being of his mount and whether assistance was required. He stated that the rider responded in an unacceptable manner and had ignored his concerns. In his opinion the rider had displayed a bad attitude in relation to the welfare concerns of the animal. Ms Michelle McCabe and Mr Paddy Talt, Order of Malta personnel, stated that they arrived alongside Colm O'Donoghue in the back straight and tried to ascertain if he needed medical assistance. His responses were verbally abusive and very rude and in their opinion were completely unacceptable considering that they had followed strict post race protocol and furthermore were a voluntary organisation. Colm O'Donoghue disputed that he had used any foul language but apologised to all persons for his attitude which was offset by he being very upset after his saddle had slipped and furthermore being dragged by his horse when dismounted. Colm O'Donoghue called on Mr Tommy McGivern, Starting Stalls personnel, to give evidence concerning the language allegedly used by him and Mr John Lane, Stalls Handler to offer a character reference on his behalf. Having considered the complaints, the evidence offered by all persons and the apology offered, the Stewards were satisfied that Colm O'Donoghue was in breach of Rule 272 in that his behaviour was unacceptable and consequently fined him €1,000 having taken his record into consideration.'
