Trainer Ronan McNally has said he’s been put in some "dark places” following the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) shock decision to ban him for 12 years.
The Armagh-based handler was hit with the mammoth disqualification from Irish racing in January, and ordered to pay €50,000 in costs after the IHRB found him guilty of multiple integrity breaches.
Many, including Ruby Walsh questioned the severity of the ban, which would see also him excluded from attending a race meeting and working in the industry. It was believed to be the biggest suspension ever handed out in this country.
Read more: Ronan McNally ban: Ruby Walsh questions severity of punishment for Co Armagh trainer
McNally’s appeal will be heard on May 29th and while awaiting the verdict he has been permitted to run his horses although he also has been attempting to sell the eight he has in his care as a restricted trainer.
At Downpatrick on Friday he saddled Full Noise to win the Cosy Roof Handicap Chase at odds of 4/5 and under jockey Keith Donoghue.
"I have sold two just. The better horses I didn't get offered the money I thought they were worth so they didn't go. A few of the cheaper ones went," he told Irishracing.com.
McNally also admitted the ordeal has taken its toll saying: "I'll be glad to get it over. Mentally it has put me in some dark places, so I just can't wait to get the whole thing over and done with."
In an interview last February after a winner at Dundalk he had said: “It’s devastating. These horses are not just horses, they’re family – to think of losing them is like losing children to me.
“I can’t see how I’m the worst person that’s ever come into Irish racing. It’s a lifetime ban. I’d have to come back after 12 years and reapply for my licence, which I would probably get rejected for.
“On appeal I’m very confident this will be turned around because I can’t see how it can be upheld. I just pray that common sense prevails and maybe we’ll get a bit of justice.
“I think Irish racing is in big, big trouble if that’s a precedent that’s going to be set going forward.”
The IHRB found that McNally had used the racecourse as a training ground by running horses insufficiently schooled, in order to obtain handicap marks not reflective of their ability.
He was found guilty by the IHRB of deliberately permitting The Jam Man to run other than on his merits when riding the horse in July 2020 at Navan and conspiring with fellow trainer David Dunne to conceal the ownership of two horses.
Meath-based trainer David Dunne, who was also disqualified for two years, failed on Thursday in his appeal against the severity of the suspension and €5,000 fine arising out of the high-profile case.
Dunne was sanctioned under the rules that cover bringing racing into disrepute, his punishment included being ordered to repay prize-money totalling €27,000 after he was found guilty of conspiring with McNally to conceal his colleague's ownership of All Class, Full Noise and Petrol Head, who were all in his care at the time.
READ NEXT:
- IFA confirm Irish Cup final tribute to Kaylee Black
- Celtic win Scottish Youth Cup with a little help from Belfast teenager
- Armagh vs Derry: Ticket information for 2023 Ulster SFC showdown in Clones
- Ciaran McFaul says he is determined to make up for lost time with Derry and Glen after comeback appearance
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
