Jockey Kevin Healy received a 14-day suspension and trainer Simon Cavanagh was ordered to pay a €3,000 fine following an inquiry into the performance of Fortunate Miss at Naas.
The four-year-old filly competed in a maiden hurdle contest on Sunday that was ultimately won by The Mourne Rambler, who took last season’s Champion Bumper. Sent off at 80-1 odds, Fortunate Miss finished 11th, trailing 44 lengths behind the winner.
Following the race, Healy reported to the clerk of the scales that his mount jumped in a very novicey manner. Racecourse stewards subsequently launched an investigation into the running and riding of the filly, taking testimony from both the rider and the trainer.
Jockey Kevin Healy has been suspended for 14 days and trainer Simon Cavanagh fined €3,000 🚨 🔗 – https://t.co/F7IfngLNK5 pic.twitter.com/iBR5exNCjX
During the hearing, Healy explained that his pre-race instructions were to drop Fortunate Miss in, help her settle, and get her jumping before asking her to run. He stated that the horse lost confidence at the first hurdle, jumped poorly throughout, failed to travel, and emptied out after clearing the final obstacle.
Cavanagh confirmed those instructions were accurate and noted he was satisfied with the ride, adding that his stable’s horses had not been running well.
After reviewing the video recording of the race and assessing the testimony, the stewards concluded that both Healy and Cavanagh violated Rule 212A(ii). They found that the filly was not subjected to a real, timely, and substantial effort to achieve her best possible placing.
The panel took the clean disciplinary records of both men into account before issuing the penalties. Healy was suspended for 14 racedays and forfeited his riding fee, while Cavanagh received the €3,000 fine. In addition, Fortunate Miss was handed a 60-day ban from racing.
An examination by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer confirmed that the filly appeared normal following the race.
