The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Fearless Warrior ridden by Conor O'Farrell and trained by Mr John Joseph Hanlon.
Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned.
Conor O'Farrell rider, stated that as a result of his mount making the running and racing very freely three days ago at Down Royal he was instructed today to employ different tactics and drop his mount out early on, switch him off and creep into the race. He rode as instructed but was disappointed with the run as he ran too freely before eventually letting his mount creep into the race but felt there was nothing left from the third last flight and only passed tired horses and stayed on one paced in the closing stages. He added that he was unaware of the position of the principal contenders in the race and concentrated on riding to instructions which he felt if he was left to his own discretion that he would have ridden closer to the pace.
Mr Hanlon, trainer, confirmed the instructions and added that in his opinion his charge is a two and a half mile stayer. He accepted that his rider rode to instructions but made a point that in giving these specific instructions he thought that the runners would have been more bunched together. He was satisfied with the ride but felt as the race unfolded that his rider could have ridden a little closer but overall he did not think that the rider did anything wrong.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Fearless Warrior was post race normal.
Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr Hanlon was in breach of Rule 212 by using the racecourse as a training ground and fined him €2000. Furthermore they suspended his charge Fearless Warrior for 42 days. They were also of the opinion that Conor O’Farrell was in breach of Rule 212 by making insufficient effort and suspended him for 7 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
