Irish Champion jockey hit with 14-day ban for alleged non-trier offence

Irish Daily Mirror

13 hours ago

Ireland's Champion conditional jump jockey Tiernan Power Roche has been hit with a hefty ban following a race at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening.
The Wexford born rider was suspended for 14-days by the raceday stewards for his ride on Coolboy Christie in the opening O´Hare´s Bar Maiden Hurdle at the Mayo venue.
The stewards deemed him in breach of Rule 212, which relates to non-triers, for his effort on the Philip Rothwell-trained four-year-old who finished eighth of 13 in the race.
They also suspended the horse, owned by the Geesala Racing Group Syndicate, from racing for 60 days while trainer Rothwell, who was absent, escaped any punishment.
27-year-old Power Roche was crowned champion conditional last season and is one of the brightest prospects on the Irish jumping racing scene with 40 career winners to his name.
Coolboy Christie was a 40-1 chance and made late headway having been held up at the rear of the field for most of the race.
Power Roche told the stewards he was following his trainer's instructions as the horse had previously raced keenly but having interviewed connections the stewards took action and hit him with a 14-day ban.
The suspension could now see Power Roche miss out on the Galway Festival, which takes place next week from Monday July 28 to Sunday August 3rd.
Following the race an IHRB Veterinary check reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post-race with samples taken for further analysis.
The stewards' report into the race was published on the IHRB website following racing and read: 'The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Coolboy Christy, ridden by T. Power Roche, and trained by P.J. Rothwell. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and Mr David Nolan the trainer's Authorised Representative.
'T. Power Roche, stated that he received his instructions via telephone prior to racing from P.J. Rothwell, these were to drop in last and to settle his mount who has previously ran keen.
'He further stated that his mount made a few jumping errors but that he was happy with the ride in that he had improved from his previous runs and ran to the best of his abilities today. 'Mr David Nolan confirmed the instructions given and stated that following the race P.J. Rothwell advised him via telephone that the rider could have been seen to make more of an effort in the closing stages.
'The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post-race. Samples were taken for further analysis.
'Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that T. Power Roche was in breach of Rule 212A.(ii)(in that the rider was not seen to have attempted to obtain from his mount timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place) and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for 14 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
'Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards under the provisions of Rule 212A(d) suspended Coolboy Christy for 60 days. In arriving at their decision, the Raceday Stewards acknowledged the IHRB Veterinary report, however they were still satisfied that a breach of Rule 212A.(ii) had occurred.'