Ban extended for trainer Tony Martin

Suspended trainer Tony Martin has had his ban extended by two months and will incur a fine after his actions following Alphonse Le Grande’s Northumberland Vase win last month.

In mid-May, the trainer was banned for six months for breaking anti-doping rules, three of which were suspended.

His sister, Cathy O’Leary, has taken over his licence in his absence, but Martin was present in the paddock before and after the success and appeared to have given riding instructions.

The considered Martin’s actions to “constitute a flagrant disregard of the rules” that had “brought horse racing into disrepute” resulting in an additional two months’ suspension, running from August 16 to October 16, and a €5,000 fine.

The committee continued: "We find that Mr Martin's active participation and/or knowingly participating in racing-related activities while his licence is withdrawn constitutes a clear violation of regulatory rules. Based on the evidence, adverse inferences can clearly be drawn that Mr Martin effectively circumvented the withdrawal of his licence by having his sister, Cathy O'Leary, hold the licence while he continued to manage the horse at Newcastle. Ms Doyle's confirmation of receiving instructions from Mr Martin substantiates the claim of active involvement.

"Overall, we consider that Mr Martin's public celebration of the win is an affront to the regulatory sanction imposed upon him, and that his actions have clearly damaged the reputation of horseracing."

Martin initially declined to comment during the investigation but later issued a public apology.

“I sincerely apologise for my actions during the Northumberland Vase," he said. "I fully understand that my behaviour was inappropriate given my current suspension status. I let my excitement and passion for the sport get the better of me, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I accept the consequences of my actions and will comply fully with any disciplinary measures imposed. I apologise to the racing community, officials, and fans for any disappointment caused.” 

The IHRB noted that it is to Martin's "credit" that he had apologised, adding: "Mr Martin has also wisely undertaken... from today not to attend racing or training gallops and to actively distance himself from training activities during the period when his licence is withdrawn. If he had not approached the case in this way the sanction would have been greater."