John Fitzpatrick© Photo Healy Racing
The stewards took strong action against Pat Coffey and John Fitzpatrick, trainer and rider of The Monks Kitchen for a breach of Rule 212 after the filly finished ninth of 21 behind Speak Easy in the opening Kells Maiden Hurdle at Navan.
Nenagh based Coffey was fined €2,000 and Fitzpatrick was suspended a total of 15 days (for two offences) while the horse was banned for 42 days.
The full text of the stewards enquiry is detailed below:
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of The Monks Kitchen, ridden by John J Fitzpatrick, and trained by P.G.Coffey. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
John J Fitzpatrick, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in mid division and to do the best he could. He confirmed a report he had given to the Stewards Secretary post race, that his mount had hit the last down the back, lost its action and that he was always after his mount from there on. He said that his mount met with slight interference in running, before finishing out the race with nothing more to offer.
P.G.Coffey confirmed the instructions given and stated that this filly is a difficult type who is very hard on herself. He felt the rider should have popped the second last hurdle instead of opting to gallop over a fallen section, but was otherwise delighted with the ride. He added that his charge is small filly who carries her head very high but despite this, he was satisfied that he had her as fit as he could for the run.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer, who stated that The Monks Kitchen was found to be post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that John. J. Fitzpatrick was in breach of Rule 212 A(ii) and having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended him for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore, the Stewards found the rider to be in breach of Rule 272(ii) in that he had supplied misleading or false information at this enquiry and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for 5 racedays.
The Stewards also found that P.G. Coffey was in in breach of Rule 212 A(ii) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they imposed a fine of €2000 and suspended The Monks Kitchen for 42 days as a consequence.
