By Brian Sheerin
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has issued an apology to trainer Paddy Twomey, jockey Wayne Lordan and owner Robert Moran over an error to the weighing out process of Rosscarbery (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) that led to the filly being disqualified from finishing third in the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh back in June.
Rosscarbery justified Twomey's decision to supplement at a cost of €30,000 for that Group 1 contest when running a gallant third behind stablemate La Petite Coco (Ire) (Ruler Of The World).
However, she was later thrown out after Lordan weighed in 5lb light, after which Twomey said he was convinced the error was not the fault of his or his rider's, and went on to blame “a technical glitch with the scales”.
Rosscarbery, one of the star attractions of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale later this month, went on to achieve Group 1 black-type when beaten just a neck into second in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in August.
A statement published by Irish racing's regulator on Friday revealed that the connections of the filly have now withdrawn their appeal in light of the IHRB's apology and Twomey described himself as happy that the issue is now resolved.
He said, “It was a pity that it happened. Having a first and third in a Group 1 race is a very hard thing to do and it was unfortunate that she was disqualified. It is what it is and we're moving on. Thankfully we had a good year on the whole and we're just happy that this issue is resolved.”
An independent investigation carried out by Grant Thornton found that no blame could be attributed to Twomey or the connections of the filly, who would have bagged €30,000 in prize-money for her third-placed effort.
The statement read, “The IHRB has established that the disqualification of Rosscarbery from the race resulted from an error in the weigh out process which it accepts was not the fault of the owner, the trainer or the rider. The IHRB very much regrets the incident and unreservedly apologises to Mr Moran, Mr Twomey and Mr Lordan.”
It added, “Following the finish of the race in question, the stewards received a report from the IHRB clerk of the scales that Wayne Lordan, rider of Rosscarbery, who had placed third, had weighed in almost 5lbs light.
“Having considered the evidence on the day, the stewards disqualified Rosscarbery from third place in accordance with the provisions of Rule 231(i) in that he weighed in at more than 1lb light. They also referred the matter to the Chief Executive Officer of the IHRB for further investigation.
“The IHRB immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the weighing-out and weighing-in of the rider of Rosscarbery on the day. On Monday, June 27 2022, the IHRB appointed Grant Thornton to carry out an independent expert technical investigation while also carrying out an internal review of IHRB systems, processes and procedures for the weighing-out and weighing-in of riders.
“On September 6 2022, following a thorough forensic investigation, Grant Thornton issued the IHRB with their report and findings, which the IHRB shared with Mr Moran and Mr Twomey's representatives.”
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