Weighty issues for local jockey - and a Fairyhouse fine

There was a €150 fine for jockey Keith Donoghue (pictured) at Fairyhouse today imposed by the Stewards after the Dunshaughlin man failed to make the weight for the Gavin Cromwell-trained Prospectus which won well for Jonathan Moore who deputised.

The Stewards enquired from Donoghue why he was unable to do the weight.

The rider stated that he sustained an injury last weekend which prohibited him from carrying out his daily exercise routine and consequently his weight rose unknown to him.

However, Prospectus, which won on the flat at Ffos Las in September for East Ilsey trainer Hughie Morrison, had 12 lengths to spare in today's three-year-old hurdle.

Prospectus is owned by the McAlpine Syndicate which includes locals Dave Keena and former One-Arm World Golf Champion Brendan Swan. Leopardstown at Christmas is now on the radar.

The Noel Meade-trained, Gigginstown House Stud-owned A Genie In Abottle won the beginners Chase on his third chase attempt over the major obstacles on the track.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Minella Till Dawn won in the maiden hurdle to take the trainer on to the 121-winner mark for the season.

Tony Martin's three-pronged bid for the Wessex Youth Trust handicap Hurdle at Ascot came up short today with Goldean Spear the best finishing of his trio in fourth place ahead of Quick Jack in fifth and Pyromaniac in sixth.

There was some Meath joy at Ascot as Barry Geraghty recorded a double with Regal Encore in a handicap chase and Unowhatimeanharry in the Long Walk
Hurdle.

Local racing tomorrow is at Navan.