Peter Fahey to appeal against Tipperary penalties

Gone Galavanting, a 100-1 shot, stayed on to finish third under hands and heels riding from 7lb claimer Eric Roche.

Fahey was fined €2,000, Roche was banned for five days and Gone Galavanting for 42 days after the stewards ruled that rule 212 (a) – the non-triers' rule – had been breached.

Speaking on Wednesday, Fahey said: "I'm lodging an appeal today against all the penalties imposed by the Tipperary stewards."

Tim Higgins steps down from Tote Ireland post

Tim Higgins has stepped down as chief executive of Tote Ireland after six years at the top with Ross Kierans appointed to the position of general manager in a major reshuffle of the state-owned pool betting firm.

Joe Hennessy, marketing manager of Tote Ireland for the last two years, has also left to take up a position with Leopardstown racecourse.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "We are delighted to see Ross in the position of general manager of Tote Ireland. Ross has tremendous experience and in his ten years with Tote Ireland has played an important role in the financial, operational and strategic performance of the company."

Kierans, who hails from Kildare, is a graduate of NUI Galway. He has worked in a number of industries ranging from financial services to audit and assurance. A qualified accountant, he has close to ten years of service with Tote Ireland and has been financial controller since June 2016.

Higgins, who has left to pursue other interests outside of HRI, has been praised by Kavanagh for his six years of service.

"I would like to thank Tim sincerely for his time while in his role as chief executive of Tote Ireland, and wish him all the best for the future," Kavanagh said.

Goffs to host Real Deal conference

Goffs plays host to the Real Deal conference tomorrow [Thursday] as Ireland's most prominent and successful business leaders descend on the famous Kildare venue.

Moderated by Matt Cooper, the conference will cover critical strategic decisions faced by SMEs and aims to educate and de-mystify the options available to SME Ireland across four panel discussions - Management Buyouts, Succession Planning, Funding for Growth ad Growth by Acquisitions & Integration.

The Real Deal 2018, in association Renatus Capital Partners, Fitzgerald Power and ByrneWallace will ensure to deliver a thought provoking and credible day out for anyone interested in the SME or the general business sectors. An artisan food village will be set up to provide free food and beverages for all.

ATR secures Hong Kong rights until 2022

At The Races and Sky Sports Racing will be the exclusive home of Hong Kong racing in Britain and Ireland until July 2022, it has been announced.

ATR chief executive Matthew Imi said: “The Longines Hong Kong International Races is one of the world’s greatest racing fixtures. We are delighted to partner with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to deliver coverage.”

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's commingling development director George Irvine added: “ATR and Sky Sports have significant fan bases already across TV and digital channels and we will work with them not just on live race coverage but on a weekly, dedicated preview programme to showcase Hong Kong racing.”|

Fakenham's Moulton wins outstanding achievement award

Trudi Moulton of Fakenham racecourse was on Monday announced winner of the Racecourse Association's 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Moulton has been an integral part of the Fakenham team for more than 40 years. Starting as a casual member of the raceday team, she now oversees all recruitment of casual staff and takes responsibility for all raceday hospitality as well as non-raceday conference and events.

RCA chairman Maggie Carver, who presided over the panel that decided the winner, said: “Upon reading the nomination from David Hunter at Fakenham, it became clear Trudi was a part of the DNA of the racecourse.

"The service she has provided over a career spanning 40 years, and counting, demonstrates her love for the sport and for Fakenham, which I'm sure is clear to those welcomed by her on a raceday.”

Fakenham chief executive David Hunter added: “The award couldn't have been given to a more deserving person – not only for all that she does at Fakenham, but for the wider racing community. She's a complete legend."

Extra fixture at Bangor on Thursday

The BHA announced on Monday that in the wake of Exeter's fixture this Thursday being abandoned, an additional meeting has been programmed at Bangor on the same day. The seven-race card will begin at 1.45pm. Entries will close on Tuesday at midday, with declarations by 10am on Wednesday.