Heffernan and Murtagh land themselves in hot water with stewards

It remains unclear as to whether Johnny Murtagh or Seamus Heffernan will appeal the punishments handed out to them by the Dundalk stewards on Friday evening following the running and riding of Tobacco Bay in the fillies’ maiden.

The stewards found Murtagh in breach of rule 212A (ii) and fined the Curragh trainer €2,000 while Heffernan was suspended for five days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee. Tobacco Bay was also suspended for 42 days.

Murtagh explained to the stewards on the evening that he had only acquired the filly seven weeks prior to the Dundalk race and booked Heffernan because the jockey knew her well.

He described the filly as being tall, light and weak, adding she would not take much work and admitting he would have liked more time with her.

Through a lack of opportunities over six and seven furlongs, the trainer felt his hand was forced in running her over a mile for her stable debut.

Offering his opinion on the ride, Murtagh revealed he had instructed Heffernan to drop Tobacco Bay out and was delighted with the ride. He also said his horses had not been running well of late.