Long-awaited win for rider Manoel Marques marred by 14-day whip ban

In a memorable evening for veteran Brazilian rider Manoel Marques at Dundalk on Friday night, but his first victory under rules in Ireland was marred by a 14-day ban he picked up for misuse of the whip.

Riding the Thomond O'Mara-trained Anfaass in the second division of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap, Marques brought his mount with a late challenge on the outside of the field to get up in the last stride for a head victory at 25-1.

Marques, 41, who comes from the town of Bahia near the city of Salvador on the Brazilian coast, said: "I have ridden many winners in Brazil, but that was a long time ago.

"I've been in Ireland for seven years but ride mostly in breeze-ups. That is my first winning ride in a race here. The IHRB gave me a licence and I have to thank them and Thomond for the opportunity."

Thomond O'Mara: trainer of AnfaassCredit: Patrick McCann

However, even a cursory look at the race suggested that Marques would be in trouble with the stewards, as he struck his mount approximately 21 times from about the two-furlong pole.

The stewards found he had breached no fewer than three whip rules regarding frequency, striking him from above shoulder level, and not giving the horse time to respond.

He was issued with bans totalling 14 days for the whip, including a day's instruction on proper use of the whip at RACE. For good measure he received an extra day for careless riding.

The incident comes six days after Christophe Soumillon was vilified in some quarters for his use of the whip on Thunder Snow in the Breeders' Cup Classic, although the multiple French champion jockey did not receive a ban as Churchill Downs stewards saw nothing untoward with his ride.

Friday's results at Dundalk

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