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Seamie Heffernan suspended for 14 days and Tony Martin fined €3,000
By Harry Allwood
Last Updated: Sat 20 Jun 2026
Jockey Seamie Heffernan was handed a 14-day suspension plus trainer Tony Martin received a €3,000 fine after the pair were found guilty under the non-trier rule following Eben Zaabeel’s effort at Limerick on Friday evening.
Martin's charge, sent off a 16-1 chance, finished a never-nearer third, and a length and a quarter behind the winner, Satono Chevalier, in the Racing Again On 2nd July Handicap (full replay below), which attracted the attention of the stewards.
Watch a full replay
The stewards held an inquiry into the running and riding of the five-year-old, who was keen early on and raced in sixth throughout before making eye-catching progress in the straight.
Evidence was also heard from Heffernan, and Cathy O'Leary, who represented Tony Martin. Heffernan said he was "delighted with the run" after explaining what his instructions were, while O'Leary advised "she was happy with both the ride and the run."
Eben Zaabeel now remains winless from 12 starts, and will be unable to run for 60 days.
Below is the full Stewards' report (posted on the IHRB website):
The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Eben Zaabeel (GB), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and the trainers Authorised Representative, Ms. Cathy O'Leary.
J.A. Heffernan stated that his instructions were to try and get his mount to relax and not to be amongst horses.
He stated that his mount has a wind problem and he kept filling him up to come home well. He added that he is a free going horse who wears a tongue tie and was delighted with the run. He further added that his mount has been running too free in his previous runs and wasn't coming home.
When questioned on his riding in the straight, he stated that he used his whip twice and kept a straight line up the straight. Ms. Cathy O'Leary confirmed the instructions given and expressed her satisfaction with the ride.
She added that he is a very head strong horse who would be hard to settle on the ground and she was happy with both the ride and the run.
The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J.A. Heffernan and A.J. Martin in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii)(failing to obtain from the Horse timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place).
Having considered J.A. Heffernans clean record in this regard, they suspended him for fourteen racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee. Having considered A.J. Martins clean record in this regard, they fined him €3000. Furthermore, they suspended Eben Zaabeel for 60 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212(c)(d).
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