wexford bumper on wednesday night??????

stewards report

"The Stewards received a report from Ms Nicola O'Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer, in relation to her findings during a pre race veterinary examination of Pearl Diamond trained by W.P. Mullins. She reported that this mare was lame on her near hind leg at the time of the initial inspection. She further noted that the mare had evidence of skin disease, a sore on her back and a graze on her right ribcage. The mare exhibited signs of soreness on palpation of the affected areas. Furthermore she added that there was no veterinary certificate accompanying this mare at the time of her arrival in the stable yard. Ben Delmer, Authorised Representative of W.P. Mullins gave evidence at this enquiry. Having considered the report, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Pearl Diamond and furthermore fined W.P. Mullins, through his Authorised Representative, €350 for a breach of rule 148(v)(a) by allowing his charge to enter the racecourse stables without an accompanying veterinary certificate confirming that any such skin condition was no longer active."

considering we are talking about the morning favourite, who according to the above vetting, was 1- lame, 2- possible suffering from a skin disease, and 3- showing signs of soreness...all presumable an hour or so before the race.....

the stewards ordered the withdrawal, saving punters, you could say......however does a meagre fine of 350 euros fit the offence?
if you are/were a member of supreme racing and contributing to the payment of this mares fees, would you be happy with tonights outcome?

if this mare was trained by a little known handler, and the above report was submitted, the very least they would expect to get was a referral to the turf club.

I would imagine those punters who backed this mare earlier in the day, dodged a bullet.