See also » Ryan-picks-up-where-he-left-off
He's a funny horse, difficult to train,. He's free and hard on himself. He wouldn't be a horse you would punt on. He is going to be a lovely horse over a fence, he schools brilliantly. He'll go over fences now. He's a half-brother to a French Champion hurdle winner. Probably the ground today suited him. Being by Arcadio the ground was key today. Young Niall Prendergast gave the horse a cracking ride. He's a brilliant schooler and a brilliant cross-country rider. He didn't get that many opportunities and that is only his second ever winner. I quickly saw that this guy can ride. He's a good lad and a nice lad. John Patrick Ryan, trainer

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cozone (GB), trained by Matthew J. Smith, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race. Samples were taken for analysis

The Stewards requested a report from John Patrick Ryan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Gaelic Arc, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Limerick on the 27th March when beaten fifty lengths by the winner The Road To Fame. John Patrick Ryan reported that his charge raced very keen at Limerick when dropped in whereas today the animal was ridden more forward and settled well which in his opinion contributed to the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Cozone (GB), ridden by J.G. Gilligan, and trained by Matthew J. Smith. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. J.G. Gilligan, stated that he had schooled this animal recently and found him to be brave at his hurdles. Today he was instructed to drop his mount in as it was his first run over hurdles, get him jumping and to finish as best as possible. In running he described his mount as jumping sketchy early in the race which left him further back in the field of runners in a race run at an even gallop. He added that his mount took a big blow in running and ran on passed tired horses to attain his best possible placing. Under questioning on his effort in the straight, he stated that he was driving hands and heels and doing his best. Matthew J. Smith confirmed the horses style of schooling and the riding instructions as given today

He expressed a concern with his charge having taken a big blow in running today as he had recently run in a flat race at Navan. In his opinion, his charge had jumped indifferently early in the race and overall his observation from the video suggested that his rider was not as strong in his riding as other riders around him from the two furlong marker. He reported to the Stewards that his charge had scoped with Grade 3 mucus post race. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Cozone (GB) was coughing post race. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation. In relation to the rider, the Stewards were satisfied that J.G. Gilligan was in breach of Rule 212(A)(2) by riding his mount in such a way as 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 his best possible placing. Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.G

Gilligan for ten racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore, the Stewards informed Matthew J

Smith that his charge Cozone (GB) was suspended for forty two days as a consequence of the riders actions.

A hurdle for four years old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 6lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Riders - Confined to Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii). Allowances - (which are not cumulative, up to and including 28th April) Riders who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed...........4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed..........2lb No allowance under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing