Brien Kane© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Brien Kane has been suspended for 10 days for his ride on the Tom Gibney trained third-placed Must Be Obeyed in the 2.10pm maiden hurdle at Navan today.
Having her second career run, Must Be Obeyed finished strongly in the closing stages with Kane incurring his suspension under Rule 212a, which covers running and riding enquiries.
The stewards' report reads:
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Must Be Obeyed, ridden by J.B. Kane, and trained by Thomas Gibney.
Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. Thomas Gibney, stated that this filly had been most difficult at the start on her only run at Punchestown and the primary concern today was to get her to start. He added that assuming everything went well at the start that she was to be ridden handy and wide to give her plenty of light.
He further added that she had been in training a long while and was fit. He expressed that he thought that she might not handle today's ground. In his opinion he was most satisfied with her temperament but felt that the rider could have made an effort from the second last hurdle and possibly left his challenge too late.
J.B. Kane, confirmed the riding instructions and gave his evidence while reviewing the video recording of the race. He explained that his mount travelled very well throughout the race, jumped superbly and was always in his hands. He added that she travelled well into the straight but hit a flat spot after the second last hurdle before jumping the last well and running on up the hill for a strong hands and heels ride. He expressed annoyance with himself when reviewing the latter stages of the race.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Must Be Obeyed was post race normal but was noted to have a slight clinical abnormality of unknown significance.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation. They were, however, of the opinion that J.B. Kane was in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii) by riding his horse in such a way that the horse cannot be seen to have been the subject of a genuine attempt to obtain from the horse timely real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place.
The Stewards suspended J.B. Kane for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. .
