Ted Walsh dumbfounded over Tramore stewards' decision to ban McMahon

Trainer Ted Walsh said on Wednesday he remained “dumbfounded” over the stewards’ decision at Tramore on New Year’s Day to ban amateur jockey Aubrey McMahon and his father Luke’s horse Batcio under the 'non-trier' rule.

After finishing sixth to Notebook in the opening 2m maiden hurdle, Batcio was given a 42-day ban and McMahon hit with a five-day suspension, stewards deeming he did not achieve the best possible placing under rule 212.

Walsh was not found guilty of any wrongdoing but he believes the stewards were far too harsh with how they dealt with McMahon and Batcio.

Watch the Tramore maiden hurdle replay

He said on Wednesday, when it also emerged McMahon has lodged an appeal: “Nothing’s changed since yesterday, I’m still completely dumbfounded over the whole thing. I think the stewards went way overboard.”

Batcio was sent off a 14-1 chance in the 15-runner contest and the Racing Post's in-running comment read: 'Raced in rear of mid-division, 9th approaching 2 out, kept on same pace from before last, never nearer'.

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