Wilkinson and O'Leary fined and banned Stewards Report Meeting: Sligo, 8-8-13 Race: 1 The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Rohan’s Pride, ridden by Mr.D.J.O.’Leary, and trained by James Lindsay Wilkinson. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his instructions were to drop his horse out and try to get him to finish as he failed to get home on his last two runs. He added that the horse travelled well until four hurdles out when he hit a flat spot and made a respiratory noise before running on well past beaten horses in the straight. Evidence was also heard from the trainer concerned who confirmed the instructions adding that the horse burst blood vessels after his last run and again on Tuesday. He added that he instructed the rider not to be too hard on the horse with the uncertainty about his current well being. The trainer concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the ride and adding that the horse would benefit from a step up in trip. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Rohan’s Pride was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both trainer and rider were in breach of Rule 212 in that the racecourse was used as a training ground and the rider had made insufficient effort. Having considered their respective records in this regard the trainer was fined €2,000, Rohan’s Pride was suspended for forty two days and the rider was suspended for twenty one race days. Furthermore the trainer was found to be in breach of Rule 213 for failing to report that his charge had burst blood vessels after his recent run and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for further investigation.
