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Meath
jockey Colin Keane weighed in at 1.7 lbs overweight after a Navan maiden aboard
Princess Tamay last weekend and received a one day ban in unusual
circumstances. Evidence was heard from the rider who stated that he had a drink
of water which caused the fluctuation. Keane also facilitated the trainer of
his mount, T.G. McCourt, by changing the girths after weighing out as they were
too loose in the filly. The trainer admitted to the stewards that the original
girth was too loose without informing the Clerk of the Scales. T.G. McCourt was
found to be in breach of the rules and was subsequently cautioned.
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Back
when Arkle was running, the Irish Turf Club implemented two handicap systems
for the Irish Grand National. One was used when Arkle was in the race and the
other when he was not. It is now fifty years since Himself won the 1964 Irish Grand National when he carried two and a
half stone more than his rivals. Arkle won the race that day by a length at
Fairyhouse for trainer Tom Dreaper and now, half a century late the Dreaper
yard saddle two horses with a strong chance in this year’s renewal of the Irish
Grand National. Both Goonyella and Los Amigos have been supported in the
betting and punters can avail of 7/1 with Boylesports for Jim Dreaper to train
the winner of the race. It would be more than fitting if this was to happen
given the family connections.
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Having
only started training with six horses in 2005, David Marnane is holding an open
day at his stables in Bansha Co. Tipperary on Sunday April 27th. The
day will include meeting David and his team, viewing the horses on the gallops
and seeing the training facilities on show. Complimentary refreshments will be
served and the morning will provide a great opportunity to meet David and learn
more about how his operation works. If you wish to attend on the morning, email
Aidan McGarry at amcgarry@itm.ie or telephone 045 443000, confirming your name,
email address and mobile number.
After
an accomplished career as an amateur jockey, Marnane moved to Dubai in 1997 where
he joined Champion Trainer in Dubai, Kieran McLaughlin, and in later years,
Doug Watson. Over the past few seasons he has trained many progressive domestic
winners and enjoyed success at Meydan
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No
less than twelve riders received suspensions of between two and four days at
Tramore on April 13th following an incident in the Martinstown
Opportunity Handicap Steeplechase. The incident came to light following a
report by Turf Club Starter P.L. Malone to the Stewards that all twelve jockeys
had disobeyed his instructions by coming forward without being instructed to in
this race. M.P. Butler, J.S. McGarvey, K.C. Sexton, C.M. Walsh, B. Hayes, F.J.
Hayes, S.E. Butler, I.J. McCarthy,S.J. Crimin, D.E. Splaine, A. Ring and B.R.
Dalton were deemed to be at fault and will serve their suspensions presently.
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Viewership
of Channel 4’s racing coverage continues to tumble as figures released recently
make poor showing. The Morning Line is down 18.5 per cent on 2013 while Aintree
figures are down 19 percent. Since the departure of John McCririck, Alistair
Down and John Francome, the refreshed format and presenting team of Clare
Balding and Nick Luck have not struck a chord with the racing public as a
whole. The lack of dynamism and the increase in novelty segments has clearly
not worked. A recent episode of the Morning Line had a link with a milk man
travelling around on his daily milk run dressing up as a jockey and then going
into Aintree. Ted Walsh was also less than impressed when Channel 4 had a
“psychic pig” pick out the winner of the Champion Hurdle. Unfortunately the
selection was Our Conor. Walsh summed the whole episode up as " pretty
pathetic really". A description which could easily be extended to the
current viewing figures of Channel 4 racing.
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In
Chengdu, China, there was a race meeting held last week. Of course since betting
on horse racing was outlawed by Chairman Mao in 1949, there was no gambling at
the event. Still this may be taken as a positive step forward and in May, Hong
Kong hosts the Asian Racing Federation Conference and which will include
sessions on racing in China, its current state and its prospects. In
gambling-mad Hong Kong, will the allure of the bookmakers be allowed a
foothold. It remains to be seen.
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A
newcomer to the betting exchanges asked a well-seasoned member the following
question:
“I would
like to lay the favourite in every horse race. What's the easiest method of
doing this?”
The
reply came:
“Just
send a cheque to Betfair each month. Perhaps a standing order would be best.”
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