IHRB hearing will inquire into contentious Dundalk race

A date has been set for a referral hearing into events surrounding a contentious race at Dundalk more than three and a half years ago, as a result of what an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board statement describes as "a comprehensive investigation".

The hearing, set to take place on 11 and 12 November will enquire into the running and riding of Yuften, trained by Denis Hogan.

"Following the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Claiming Race on 20th March 2020, the raceday stewards enquired into the running and riding of Yuften, ridden by James Doyle and trained by Denis Hogan," the IHRB statement begins.

"Having considered the evidence, the raceday stewards referred the matter to the IHRB for further investigation. A comprehensive investigation has concluded and a referral hearing into the matter is scheduled to take place on the 11 and 12 November.

"Detailed reports of all IHRB Referral and Appeal Hearings are published on our website once the panel has given its verdict. The IHRB does not comment on individual disciplinary matters until hearings are complete."

There was considerable controversy surrounding the all-weather claimer on March 20, 2020 that featured the Hogan-trained pair Tony The Gent and Yuften. Both ran in the colours of James McAuley, who is now also a licensed trainer.

Yuften was expected to go off a short-priced favourite but drifted markedly from an opening price of 8/11 to go off at 6/4. After a very slow start, the horse finished well to be runner-up to its stablemate, which was backed into 10/11 from 15/8. The gelding was subsequently found to be lame by an IHRB veterinary officer.

The stewards inquired into the running and riding of Yuften, with jockey Joe Doyle reporting that he had been instructed to sit in third or