TWO stewards’ inquiry incidents brought the same result over last weekend - a caution for the rider. At Navan the stewards enquired why Evan Daly was jogging on the racing line in the back straight during the running of one of the main races and “cautioned the rider to be more careful when out on the course in future.”

At Thurles on Monday, the stewards interviewed Sean Flanagan, rider of Apocalypse after “it appeared that his mount jumped a hurdle prior to the start of this race.” Flanagan stated that when easing his mount to view the demonstration hurdle, the animal was distracted by a runner cantering by and subsequently jumped the hurdle in the centre of the track. Flanagan was in breach of Rule 205(ii) and “having considered his record”, they cautioned him on this occasion.

One was foolishness by a jockey that could have had serious consequences, the second was foolishness by the horse, probably outside the rider’s control. It seemed a bit unfair to chastise him in the same fashion.

Brits off the blocks

A five-timer from Paul Nicholls at Wincanton on Saturday, another across-the-card five from Colin Tizzard last Sunday, followed by four more on Wednesday, and the Henderson and Hobbs yards also in good form. It looks like the UK trainers have taken up the challenge from the Irish yards who may be a little slower into stride this season. Game on... until the New Year and Cheltenham are in sight.

Don’t blame the jock!

YOU’D wonder why poor Ruby had to take all the flack after Footpad and Saldier departed after jumping errors last weekend.

How come no one pointed the finger at Willie for not having them schooled to jump under pressure?!