Massive fine and ban for father-son jockey-trainer team who ‘deliberately and recklessly’ broke rules

A FATHER-SON jockey-trainer team have been given a massive fine and ban after 'deliberately and recklessly' breaking rules. Conor McNamara's ride on 14-1 Mount Ferns in a 2m½f novice handicap chase at Clonmel in Ireland yesterday caught the eye of stewards. The seven-year-old gelding appeared full of running turning in but ultimately finished sixth, beaten nine lengths by 7-1 winner Luminous Light. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).

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He claimed he was told to settle mid-division and come late with a run. But the stewards were having none of it and handed out a whopping fine and ban in their written reasons. The stewards' report read: "The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mount Ferns, ridden by C.P. McNamara, and trained by E. McNamara. "Evidence was heard from the rider and David O'Riordan, authorised representative, who said the instructions were to jump off mid-division and to come with a late run.

"He added he was satisfied with the ride as the horse was hanging badly right. "C.P. McNamara confirmed the instructions given and said he was generally happy with the way the race went however his mount started hanging badly going down the hill and turning into the straight. "He elaborated that the horse was extremely difficult to ride at this point and he could not even ride the horse out to the line.

"He concluded by saying he had forgotten to make a report at scales that the horse was hanging. "The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the animal was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. "Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212A(i) by deliberately or recklessly causing or permitting a horse to run other than on its merits.

"As a consequence, they suspended C.P. McNamara for 40 racedays, ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and fined E. McNamara €6,000 (£5,000) in accordance with the guidelines and having taken their clean records into account. "Furthermore, they suspended Mount Ferns from running for 90 days under the provisions of Rule 212C(D).". A responsible gambler is someone who:. Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.