Davy Russell and Robert Power were both handed out four day suspensions after mistakenly anticipating a false start in the 2m3f Follow Us On Twitter Maiden Hurdle at Cork this afternoon.
Russell aboard Crude and Power riding Stop At Nothing both took no part after being held back as the riders appeared to anticipate a false start.
A stewards enquiry was called into the starting procedure and, after interviewing the riders involved, the stewards judged that a fair start had been effected.
Reportedly up to ten riders were shouting at the starter Philip Lafarge not to let them go as the 22 runner field made their way speedily towards the tape.
An obviously frustrated Power said afterwards: “We are told to walk into the start, and if you charge the tape you'll get suspended. But they were going a half-speed towards the tape, and yet the starter let them go.”
Russell, who intends appealing the ban, said: “As a senior jockey am I supposed to walk in or charge in? I'm supposed to walk in, yet the starter let them go.”
Stewards secretary Shay Quinn said: “The suspensions were for a breech of Rule 40, which states that a rider can't willfully turn a horse around, hang behind or refuse to obey the commands of the starter.”
It was a day of mixed fortune for Russell, who moved onto the 34 winner mark for the season when partnering a near 22/1 double aboard Knockfierna and Le Marquis
