Amateur hit with 14-day ban

AMATEUR Kevin Power was suspended for fourteen days following his ride on runner-up Optimum Force in the Conyngham Cup at Punchestown last evening.

The Stewards enquired into a number of incidents involving Power’s mount and the Mikey O’Connor-ridden Not Before Eight, particularly what happened after the fifth last fence, when Power reacted to O’Connor’s attempt to make progress on his inside.

After a lengthy investigation, the Stewards were of the opinion that Power “had ridden dangerously” in the incident after the fifth last fence and that he purposely interfered with O’Connor’s mount.