Appeal of Fortria Chase result is dismissed

CONNECTIONS of Solness have lost their appeal against the decision by the acting stewards at Navan on November 16th to allow Found A Fifty to keep the Fortria Chase.

Found A Fifty appeared to jump to his right and in front of the chasing Solness at the final fence. The winning distance was a neck.

Evidence was given by Danny Mullins, rider of Solness, and also by Yigit Unallar, chief technology officer of Halo, an artificial intelligence company specialising in horseracing data and backed by Bronsan Racing, owners of Solness. Unallar’s view was that Solness had travelled 3.12m more than he would have had it not been for the interference at the last fence.

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy told the Appeals Body he felt his mount went two and a half to three lengths clear between the last two fences before his mount began to idle in front and he felt he was still a length or more clear approaching the last fence.

Kennedy accepted that his mount stalled going to the last fence, which allowed Solness to close the gap, but he felt his horse was doing as little as he had to do and would prefer a lead and was the best horse on the day.

The Appeals Body dismissed the appeal, confirming that the raceday stewards had not erred in their decision on the day to take no further action with respect to the judge’s placing.

IHWT online auction closing

BIDDING on items in the Irish Horse Welfare Trust Christmas online auction closes at midnight on Tuesday. Lots on offer include Godolphin signed silks, a framed print and shoe of Auguste Rodin, raceday tickets and memberships at many Irish racecourses.

Web: galabid.com/ihwtauction

Rutledge to Australia

SIOBHAN Rutledge left Ireland this week to pursue her professional riding career in Australia. From Co Meath and associated mainly with the John McConnell yard, Rutledge has ridden 78 winners in Ireland over the past five seasons.

McConnell told irishracing.com: “It is a great opportunity to go over there and ride, she is working for Chris Munce in Brisbane. Provisionally, she is there until March and if it goes really well, she might stay. If not, we will gladly have her back.”

Racehorse owner survey HRI Ownership is inviting all racehorse owners to participate in an online survey regarding the ownership experience. Those who take part will have a chance to win lunch for four at the final day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. A HRI spokesperson said: “Owners’ participation in this research will remain anonymous and personal information will not be disclosed to any third party. The feedback will shape the future ownership experience for everyone’s benefit and help us deliver the standards expected by our customers.”

Web: racehorseownership.ie

Business award for Willie Mullins

CHAMPION trainer Willie Mullins received the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award at this week’s Business and Finance Awards in Dublin. He joins a distinguished list of past honourees, including Brian O’Driscoll, Katie Taylor, Rachael Blackmore, and Aidan O’Brien.