Roche wins his appeal

Curragh trainer Christy Roche successfully appealed his 2,000 fine at the Turf Club yesterday over the running and riding of the JP McManus-owned horse Good Morning whose 60-day racing ban has also been lifted.

The Turf Club's Appeals & Referrals Committee looked into the controversial case from last month's Cahir Maiden Hurdle at Thurles where the Mark Walsh-ridden Good Morning finished runner-up to Contessa Messina.

The stewards at Thurles originally imposed the penalties, which also included a 21-day ban for Walsh, under the "non-trier" rules.

However, Roche's appeal was upheld by the committee who heard in evidence that the trainer was not present at Thurles on the day of the race. Yesterday Roche said he was not completely satisfied with Walsh's ride on the horse.

"Mark gave the horse a great ride until after the last when he didn't do enough," Roche said afterwards.

It was also mentioned by the trainer's legal team that no transcript of the original inquiry at the track was available.

"There was no tape due to a technical glitch which meant the recording equipment didn't activate," said the Turf Club spokesman, Sean Barry. "But that wasn't too relevant. Mr Roche's representative on the day said he was satisfied with the ride but Mr Roche said today that he wasn't. There's no issue there and the committee had to take that on board."

Mark Walsh also appealed against the severity of the 21-day ban he picked up at Thurles and that case was heard separately by the committee who decided to leave the suspension in place.

Roche later added: "I always felt that my appeal would be successful but I'm a little bit disappointed for Mark."