Meeting: PUNCHESTOWN

WEDNESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2011

Race: SIXTH

The Stewards interviewed Paul Carberry, rider of Martin Scruff placed second, and Mr Gordon Elliot trainer concerning the riding of this horse in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had made up ground in running and having jumped the second last hurdle well, his mount began to struggle in the chopped ground. He felt on the approach to the final hurdle that he had all his competitors covered and when the eventual winner jumped the hurdle slowly he was satisfied to give his own mount a quick breather as he felt that the leader had nothing more to offer. He was surprised that the winner picked up quickly and galloped very strongly to the line

Mr Elliot added that this gelding was having his second race in six days and that he reluctantly ran him only because of a nineteen pound penalty received for his win at Thurles. He also stated that the rider knows his charge well and that the gelding may have been feeling the effects of his most recent race. He was satisfied with the ride.

Having viewed the video and considered the evidence, the Stewards taking all the circumstances into account were of the opinion that P.Carberry had made an error of judgement but severely cautioned him concerning his future riding.

Meeting: PUNCHESTOWN

WEDNESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2011

Race: THIRD

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of the winner, O Fortuna trained by Mr D.T Hughes compared with his previous run at Cork on the 13th December 2010, when the horse was pulled up in the race won by Foildubh.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that that this lightly raced gelding had run well at Leopardstown last February and subsequently ran in an I.N.H. Flat race at Cork on the 21st march and was later found to have kickback on endoscopic examination. On his most recent run he expected a good performance with a possible mid division finish but the gelding ran most disappointing for no known reason. He was subsequently both scoped and thoroughly examined at home post race and no abnormality was found. He added that the rider on that day, R. Loughran, had reported to him that the gelding had made a slight noise in running. Today the gelding was fitted with a cross noseband.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation. In view of parts of the evidence suggesting that Mr Hughes had failed to make two separate reports that may have affected his charges performance on separate occasions; the Stewards referred him to the Referrals Committee.

Meeting: PUNCHESTOWN

WEDNESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2011

Race: FIFTH

The Stewards requested a report from Mr David Fenton, trainer of the winner Avondhu Lady concerning the apparent improvement in form of his charge compared to her previous run at Limerick on the 26th January where she finished 8th of 14 finishers beaten 51 lengths by the winner Dare To Doubt.

Mr Fenton reported that this mare ran in five Point to Points, winning twice and runner up on the other occasions. He said that she has been most consistent except for the previous run in question for which he was most disappointed. He added that she scoped clear and his only reason may be that todays looser heavy ground was more suitable than the tacky heavy ground at Limerick, otherwise she has handled all goings on previous runs.

Having considered the report the Stewards accepted its content.