Incompetence to a new level...

Curragh stewards in bizarre whip ban u-turn (Whipless jockey banned for use of the whip at Curragh)

By Jonathan Mullin 6:20PM 22 MAY 2010

APPRENTICE Ronan Whelan found himself in uncharted territory at the Curragh on Saturday after he was banned for excessive use of the whip in the 1m Emirates Equestrian Federation Handicap despite dropping it leaving the stalls.

Whelan was riding Monivea for trainer Brian Nolan and his boss, Jim Bolger, took up his cause.

"History was made here today," said Bolger, "my apprentice got three days for excessive use of the whip. The problem is, he dropped his whip at the stalls."

It was a most bizarre subplot on Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas day but by the end of racing, the stewards had reviewed their decision and following a second inquiry, apologised to Whelan and dropped their original three-day ban.

"R P Whelan informed the further inquiry that he had lost his whipat an early stage of this race, a fact that he had not revealed . . . prior to the first inquiry or to the acting stewards during the course of the first enquiry," said the Turf Club stewards report.

"Having considered the new evidence given the stewards were of the opinion that their original decision was in error and apologised. They accordingly set aside their earlier finding and penalty."

Bolger added: "They have apologised and lifted the ban so I suppose all's well that ends well. It's the end of the matter, as far as I'm concerned."

Do they have a drink during racing? -D

no more than you do Scotia.

Well in that case Elvis easy to make a mistake

lol

Sounds like getting a speeding fine in a parked car. A tad contradictory in terms, to say the least.