Michael O’Leary withdraws Turf Club appeal

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has withdrawn his Turf Club appeal against the penalties imposed on his horse Devils Bride at Fairyhouse 12 days ago.

The champion owner had threatened to take the Turf Club to the High Court if his appeal, originally scheduled for today, was unsuccessful.

Devils Bride was suspended for two days, and trainer Willie Mullins fined €200, when the racecourse stewards decided the change in going at Fairyhouse didn't merit withdrawing the horse. The case came on the back of controversy about the multiple declaration policy of O'Leary's Gigginstown Stud.

O’Leary revealed yesterday that both sides met to discuss the issue and he said: “We felt there was no upside in fighting, or talking of appeals, and going to the High Court.”

The Turf Club chief-executive Denis Egan said: "They wanted clarification in terms of the non-runner rules and once we provided that, they decided to withdraw their appeal."