It was a rare blip in an extraordinary run of success for Charlie Swan's stable since the start of the new National Hunt season when Show Me The Castle was disqualified after winning the Mullinam Flat Race at Fairyhouse, his rider failing to draw the weight.
Given that the horse cruised home an unchallenged eight-length winner, few race-goers would have expected John O'Meara to shed 1 1/2lb between weighing out and weighing in. However, that was precisely what happened and the Rules provide for a 1lb tolerance only.
So far as the bookmakers were concerned it was an unhappy outcome for while O'Meara's mount had drifted from 4 to 1 out to 7 to 1, Kramer, the runner-up, who got the race was the 7 to 4 favourite.
John O'Meara will ensure that there is no repetition at Dundalk this afternoon and although Show Me The Castle (5.30) faces 19 rivals, none of them pose a serious danger.
Since the introduction of the six-day entry system, trainers have been obliged to act with speed if they are to deny the handicapper an opportunity of reassessing their horse.
Shane Donohoe has been quick off the mark with Kariyadan as only three days have elapsed since this half-brother to the Double Derby winner Kahyasi ran away with a Sligo maiden hurdle.
Ruby Walsh again has the mount in the only handicap hurdle on the card (3.0) and the partnership can give the owners the Ballyjamesduff Race Club an excuse for song.
Championship leader Pat Smullen recorded his 57th winner of the season on Cedar Du Liban in the Leighlin EBF Nursery at Gowran Park yesterday and now moves six clear of nearest rival John Murtagh.
Jim Bolger introduced a nice filly when Siringas recorded a runaway victory in the Bagenalstown EBF Maiden. The daughter of Barathea was sent to the front over two furlongs out by Kevin Manning and really appreciated the mile trip, drawing right away in the closing stages to beat Elbader by 13 lengths.
"She is a filly with a future but if there is considerable weight loss after today she will not run again this season." said Bolger.
The Co Carlow trainer was saddling the filly after his successful appeal at the Turf Club earlier that day. His Aretha finished a half-length second to Reptar in the Billpay Handicap at Fairyhouse on August 9th. The runner-up collided with the winner when beginning her run and the stewards held an inquiry before allowing the result to stand.
However, having considered the evidence at yesterday's hearing, the Appeals and Referrals Committee found that there was interference but not caused recklessly or intentionally.
They concluded that the interference did improve the placing of Reptar and they therefore upheld the appeal and ordered that the placings of the first two be reversed and that the records be amended accordingly.
