Winner thrown-out as inexperienced rider weighs-in light

There was an unfortunate conclusion to Punchestown's meeting today as, in the bumper, first-past-the-post Colcannon (5/2 second-favourite) was disqualified as his inexperienced rider Finn Tegetmeier weighted-in 1.3lb light.

Kells, Co Meath native Tegetmeier was chasing a first career winner and while he had seemingly completed the hard work with a nicely-timed ride on nine-lengths winner Colcannon (5/2 second-favourite), subsequently weighed-in lighter than the 1lb threshold for disqualification.

'Runner-up' Sermandzarak — the heavily backed 8/15 favourite, was subsequently awarded the race.

Explaining the course of events which resulted in the disqualification of his horse Colcannon, Tegetmeier's employer trainer Noel Meade reported “he is 0.3 of a pound less than he should be.

“It would appear what happened was he (Tegetmeier) walked the track after he weighed out (and thus may have shed some weight).

“It is unbelievable but there is nothing I can do about it and that's it. There is no blame on anybody.”

Before news of the enquiry had broken, Meade had also praised the jockey, saying “he's a very nice rider, is with me for quite a while and he's a lovely young fella. He did a good bit of showjumping, has a beautiful pair of hands and is beautiful over a fence.

“Despite what you'd think from his name, he is Irish and from Kells. Hopefully he gets a few more as it's hard to get those lads going. That's the start anyway.”

Regarding his impressive 'winner' Colcannon, Meade had also mentioned “he's out of a good mare, She's A Star. He came to us as a two-year-old and we sent him back, he grew about six inches and he's still growing. I think he will be a nice horse in time, he's still a baby.

“He came well in Naas but tired in the ground. This track probably suited him better. Hopefully I'll give him one more run and he'll be a jumper next season.

“He's a nice horse and can go up with a flat horse easy enough. The only thing that was worrying me was that other than in Naas he had never been off the bridle.”

Promoted winner Sermandzarak was registering a success on debut for trainer Gordon Elliott, jockey John Gleeson and owners Robcour.

The subsequent stewards' report reads:

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the fact that Mr Finn Tegetmeier, rider of Colcannon, placed first, trained by N. Meade, weighed in 1.3lbs light following this race. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Mr. Tegetmeier stated that following weighing out he walked the track and went to the toilet. Mr. Meade stated that everything he received from the rider went on the horse and he couldn't account for the missing weight. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards disqualified Colcannon from first place in accordance with the provisions of Rule 231 (i) and took no further action.

Quotes from Gary Carson