THE race was called the MansionBet It’s Not Rocket Science Maiden Hurdle in Tipperary on Wednesday.

And watching it, it wasn’t rocket science, nor did you need a degree in race reporting, to feel that the ride on the fourth placed The Shunter looked one of the most blatant episodes of a horse not been ridden to achieve the best possible placing in recent years.

Part of the wording of Rule 212 states that each horse must be seen, to a reasonable and informed member of the racing public, to have been given a full opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing, and that the jockey has made timely, real and substantial effort to do so.

Eoghain Ward noted in commentary, as the Emmet Mullins-trained The Shunter sat last, “patient tactics here by Brian Hayes”, Fran Berry commented afterwards on RacingTV that it was a ride “very much lacking in vigour”. The bans and fines were very stiff and so they should have been.

Whatever the explanations of “respiratory noise” “choked in the closing stages” and getting a “second wind”, perception and punter confidence is something some in racing still seem oblivious to. It‘s not nice to see the comments directed at jockeys after losing rides but social media generally reflects the opinion of the racing public and it revealed a strong degree of disquiet on this particular episode, increased when Pilbara landed a gamble for connections later on the card.

Some said ‘fair play’ but, to anyone who had bet on The Shunter earlier, this didn’t give the impression of fair play.

It follows the Dundalk race in March, which is still being investigated, involving Tony The Gent, backed into 10/11 favourite and beating stable companion Yuften, the overnight favourite who appeared to find trouble in running (reported lame after the race), both horses trained by Denis Hogan. Both results gave the impression of ordinary punters being put away. and not good for the sport in times when it needs every bit of confidence.