Rule 212: Hogan set to appeal 'harsh' decision by raceday stewards

Denis Hogan has labelled the penalties dished out under rule 212 to rider Shane Mulcahy and Meadow Cross as “harsh” after the mare finished fourth on her chasing debut at Down Royal last month and said he plans to appeal against the decision.

Mulcahy, who claims 7lb, received a five-day ban and his mount Meadow Cross was banned for 42 days after raceday stewards deemed the 25-1 shot was not given every chance to achieve her best possible position.

Hogan said: "We plan on appealing against the decision. I was happy with the performance and she was lucky to finish fourth, as the race fell apart when some of the better-fancied runners fell in the closing stages.

"She's a hold-up mare who needs to come from off the pace and I was happy with how she finished.

"Shane is an inexperienced rider who has had around ten rides under rules and it can't be expected that he would have the same experience as a professional rider. I thought the penalties were quite harsh and we will be appealing."

Connections of Meadow Cross are the first to be penalised under rule 212 since the high-profile case involving the Aidan O'Brien-trained Music Box at Dundalk in March.