“I can’t see how I’m the worst person that’s ever come into Irish racing. These horses are not just horses, they’re family – to think of losing them is like losing children to me. In an interview last February after a winner at Dundalk he had said: “It’s devastating. Mentally it has put me in some dark places, so I just can't wait to get the whole thing over and done with.' McNally also admitted the ordeal has taken its toll saying: 'I'll be glad to get it over. A few of the cheaper ones went,' he told. The better horses I didn't get offered the money I thought they were worth so they didn't go. 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.Īt Downpatrick on Friday he saddled Full Noise to win the Cosy Roof Handicap Chase at odds of 4/5 and under jockey Keith Donoghue. Willie Mullins-trained horse dies following Punchestown Festival run weeks after Cheltenham third.It was believed to be the biggest suspension ever handed out in this country.

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. 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. 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.

Blood and Money by David McNally