Sport

Davids Lad back in business

RACING: Davids Lad could be back in action at next week's Cheltenham Festival after his owners won a stay against his 42-day…

Fri Mar 07 2003 - 00:00

RACING: Davids Lad could be back in action at next week's Cheltenham Festival after his owners won a stay against his 42-day ban at the High Court yesterday.

The nine-year-old was suspended from running after finishing unplaced in the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas on February 23rd.

The stewards found that the racecourse had been used as a training ground and that the rider, Timmy Murphy, had made insufficient effort aboard the horse.

Murphy was banned for seven days, trainer Tony Martin was fined €1,000 and Davids Lad was banned for 42 days, which ruled him out of the Martell Cognac Grand National on April 5th for which he had been 14 to 1 second favourite.

READ MORE

The horse's owners, the Eddie Joe's Racing Syndicate, took their case to court after their appeal against the suspension was turned down by the Turf Club's Appeals & Referrals Committee on Monday.

In a statement, the owners confirmed: "We've been granted a stay of the decision of the Appeals and Referrals Committee of the Turf Club in so far as that relating to the horse Davids Lad.

"The Turf Club have been given liberty to appeal to the High Court to seek to vacate this order on 12 hours notice."

Although the Turf Club can bid to have yesterday's decision overturned, connections are now planning to let the horse take his chance in the Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup at Cheltenham next Wednesday.

"We are happy at the moment with the outcome of our application and looking forward to Cheltenham with Davids Lad," said Mattie Lynch, one of the four-strong Eddie Joe's Syndicate.

Meanwhile, Clerk of the course, Simon Claisse, was celebrating yesterday after rain hit Cheltenham to prevent the need for any further watering.

A total of 11mm of rain fell at the course on Wednesday night to leave the official going as good, good to soft in places.

  • Tote patrons who backed Knock Knock in yesterday's Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase at Thurles were in for a surprise when the David Wachman-trained 14 to 1 winner paid only €3.30 for a win and €1.10 for a place. A €2 bet with the local bookies would have netted punters €30!