Naas trainer Michael O'Brien was fined €2,000 after Mesopotamia was taken out of the opening maiden hurdle when it was discovered the horse's microchip number and markings differed compared to those on his passport.
O'Brien later explained that a passport mix-up must have taken place when the horses were bought at the Newmarket sales two years ago and yesterday's discovery indicated that the ex-Aidan O'Brien-trained Mesopotamia, who has placed form over jumps, is in fact the ex-Ed Dunlop-trained Golden Grace who hasn't raced yet in Ireland.
The stewards decided O'Brien was in breach of Rule 148 (i) and imposed the fine.
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