Trainer Edward O'Grady and amateur jockey Philip Fenton have been referred on to the Turf Club's appeals and referrals committee following the running and riding of Ballydonnelly, runner-up to Tuska Ridge in the bumper at Killarney yesterday.
Ballydonnelly, ridden by Philip Fenton, was beaten two lengths by Tuska Ridge, but Fenton was subjected to some barracking by a handful of bookmakers as he returned to unsaddle.
The stewards inquired into the running and riding of the horse, but as they were unable to interview O'Grady, who had left the track, the matter was referred on.
Earlier, rider Josh Byrne was banned for three days. The stewards decided Byrne had lost fourth place by dropping his hands on No Avail in the Dawn Milk Handicap. They gave him a two-day suspension for that and another day for his "attitude and manner" when leaving the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Merry Gale, who tops the weights in the Galway Plate, has been described as a doubtful runner in the big race.
Merry Gale finished lame after racing at Killarney on Monday and trainer Jim Dreaper yesterday described his chances of making the Plate as "remote".
The Irish Derby fifth, Takarian, will drop back to 10 furlongs for the Meld Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday week.
"My present plans are to run Outspoken as well as Takarian in the Meld," said trainer John Oxx.
Birthday boy Adrian Nicholls celebrated in style at Bath yesterday afternoon when steering Crackle to a clear-cut success in the Avebury Median Auction Maiden. And in the process Nicholls, 17 yesterday, partnered his first winner for his boss, Barry Hills, with whom he has been based for a year.
