Jockey Philip Byrnes has been handed a 21-day suspension after being found guilty of dangerous riding during a race at Limerick on Thursday night. Byrnes finished first past the post on the 11-8 favourite Marian Avenue, trained by his father Charles Byrnes, but the horse was disqualified following a stewards' inquiry.
Incident at the Second Last Hurdle
The race unfolded smoothly for supporters of the favourite until the approach to the second last hurdle. At that point, Marian Avenue drifted significantly to the left, causing interference to Danny Mullins-ridden Qaasid. Another horse, Friar Hogan, racing to the left of Qaasid, suffered even more severe interference and was carried off the racing line, ending up outside the wing of the obstacle.
Despite the incident, Marian Avenue crossed the line first, with Qaasid finishing second. However, an immediate stewards' inquiry was called to investigate possible interference approaching the second last hurdle.
Jockeys' Evidence
During the hearing, Danny Mullins stated that he had maintained his line wide off the bend but was deliberately pushed off his line by Marian Avenue. He claimed he had to take violent action to get back on track to jump the hurdle and felt this incident cost him the race.
In contrast, Philip Byrnes told stewards that his mount had cocked his jaw coming down to the second last hurdle, tried to run out, and that he had two hands on the reins trying to keep the horse straight. Sean O'Keeffe, rider of Friar Hogan, confirmed he was carried out by the interference to his inside.
Stewards' Decision
The stewards found that Byrnes had ridden dangerously, leading to the disqualification of Marian Avenue from first place. Byrnes was also suspended for 21 days. The stewards' report stated: 'In arriving at their decision, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that P. Byrnes failed to correct his mount at a point in the race that was in close proximity to the hurdle and as such rode in a way which was far below that of a competent and careful Rider, and where it would be obvious to such a competent and careful Rider that riding in that way was likely to endanger the safety of another Horse or Rider.'
