Coleman handed marathon suspension

Racing : Kevin Coleman was hit with a mammoth 50-day suspension for failing to take all permissible measures to obtain the best placing aboard Paul Kristian at Limerick.

Trained by Liam Burke, the eventual runner-up was beaten six lengths by Adrian Maguire's Let Yourself Go in the St Patrick's Day Maiden Hurdle.

When interviewed by the stewards, Coleman stated his instructions had been to settle his mount in second or third position and race towards the outside of the field on the best of the ground.

In running he stated that his mount hung and jumped right throughout the race, but also that he had ridden his mount to the best of his ability under a hands and heels ride as instructed by Burke.

Burke stated that his charge had too hard a race in a bumper in his first start at Gowran, did not eat up for four days afterwards and was quite specific in his instructions to the rider not to use the whip, but ultimately felt that Coleman should have made more effort, particularly from the second-last hurdle.

The stewards also received a report from the Turf Club veterinary officer who stated that the animal was clinically normal post-race apart from a few minor cuts.

Having reviewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the stewards noted Burke's explanation but were of the opinion that Coleman was in breach of Rule 212 and therefore suspended him for 50 days.

Limerick, meanwhile, will stage a precautionary inspection at 8.30am on Sunday ahead of their scheduled afternoon fixture.

Irish Turf Club press officer Cliff Noone said: "The ground is heavy at present and while it is currently raceable it is still raining. They are just a little fearful that further heavy rain could put them in some trouble.

It will be a busy morning with Navan also inspecting at 8.30am and Down Royal taking a look at 7.30am ahead of their meeting on Monday.