ERIC and Conor McNamara plan to appeal against stiff penalties they received from the stewards at Clonmel on Thursday.

The father and son were found guilty under the “non-triers” rule, following a sixth place finish for their horse, Mount Ferns, in a two-mile novice handicap chase won by Luminous Light.

Conor McNamara was suspended for 40 racedays, Eric McNamara was fined €6,000, and the horse was suspended from running for 90 days.

The trainer was not present and evidence was heard from the rider and David O’Riordan, authorised representative, who said the instructions were to jump off mid-division and to come with a late run. O’Riordan added he was satisfied with the ride, as the horse was hanging badly right.

Conor McNamara confirmed the instructions given and said he was generally happy with the way the race went, however, his mount started hanging badly going down the hill and turning into the straight. He elaborated that the horse was extremely difficult to ride at this point and he could not even ride the horse out to the line. He concluded by saying he had forgotten to make a report at scales that the horse was hanging.

The stewards also received a report from the IHRB veterinary officer, who stated that the animal was post-race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the stewards were satisfied that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212A(i) by deliberately or recklessly causing or permitting a horse to run other than on its merits.