COLIN Keane has had a seven-day suspension reduced to four days on appeal. Keane picked up the ban for failing through misjudgement to obtain the best possible placing on Sindagan in a Gowran Park maiden on April 22nd. The horse lost second place on the line. The Appeals Body held that Keane did breach the rules but lessened the sanction as the jockey had not stopped riding but instead had not been as vigorous “as might otherwise have been the case.” The ban runs from May 8th-11th and so rules Keane out of next weekend’s prestigious French Guineas meeting at ParisLongchamp.
THE French Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders will host the biennial conference of the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation (ITBF) next week, from May 5th to 10th. This major international event brings together decision-makers from 27 thoroughbred breeding and racing countries. Delegates will share their insights and contribute to discussions on the sport’s future.
The main conference will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the practices, current situation, and projects of the participating countries. The veterinary conference will bring together numerous specialised practitioners who will discuss selected topics. Prior to that, the visitors will be invited to see stud farms and exceptional venues in Normandy.
The meeting will conclude with Saturday’s Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary and Sunday’s Emirates Poules d’Essai racemeetings at ParisLongchamp.
TRAINER Michael J. McDonagh has been fined almost €5,000 and lost a winner over a positive post-race test for a prohibited substance. The case concerned Chainofconsequence, winner of a handicap chase at Downpatrick in June 2024. He tested positive for cobalt, at a level above the permitted threshold, which prompted the IHRB to conduct two unannounced visits to the McDonagh yard a month later. While taking into account McDonagh’s “very good record”, the Referrals Committee took the view that “in some way cobalt must have been administered” and that the trainer must accept responsibility. The race was awarded to Ocean Legacy, trained by Dermot McLoughlin and ridden by Paddy O’Brien.
Minnie Hauk due to run
MULTIPLE Group 1 winner Minnie Hauk is entered for Monday’s Group 2 Clem Murphy Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh.