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Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish racing needs to professionalise its disciplinary process to reassure public
Rather like a referee or a parking warden, being a voluntary race-day steward is a thankless task. Mostly, all they get out of it is lukewarm tea, a parking space and insults about their eyesight. Sometimes, though, there's a stonewall penalty or a car upside down on a zebra crossing. Like the day with Ta Na La at Wexford recently. Ta Na La, trained by Ted Walsh and racing in the colours of his wife Helen, made her debut over fences in a five-runner novice chase. Ridden by claiming jockey Shane O'Callaghan, Ta Na La travelled strongly throughout the race, jumped well and had only the odds-on favourite Aspire Tower in front of her on the run to the last. From there on, the finish was notable for O'Callaghan's lack of urgency . Aspire Tower ultimately won by more than four lengths, but it was the runner-up's performance that immediately attracted attention. An inquiry into the running and riding of Ta Na La was called. Walsh wasn't in Wexford, so O'Callaghan was accompanied by the trainer's authorised representative. If a trainer isn't at a race meeting, they are required under Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board rules to have an authorised representative present. READ MORE O'Callaghan told the stewards how his instructions, issued directly from the trainer, were to jump off and get his mount settled as she can be very free in her races. He added he was told to get her jumping well, come home the best she could and not to use his whip. The stewards decided the 'non-trier' rules had been broken in that the rider was 'not seen to have attempted to obtain from his mount timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place'. They imposed the minimum sanctions. O'Callaghan was suspended for 14 days, Ta Na La suspended for 60 days, and Walsh was fined €3,000. The critical phraseology in the relevant rule is 'not seen'. It's a critical weapon in the official armoury brought in by racing's regulatory body in 2017. A series of high-profile 'non-trier' cases had been successfully appealed, leaving the authorities looking ineffective. Subjective interpretations of what might or might not be 'off' were all but impossible to prove up to legal standards. So, horses now had to be seen to try to obtain their best possible placing. By those standards the Ta Na La case looked straightforward. Walsh's high-profile status as RTÉ's former racing pundit inevitably attracted attention. The Grand National-winning trainer lodged an appeal against his fine and the horse's suspension from racing, which was heard on Monday. O'Callaghan didn't appeal his penalty. Walsh argued he wasn't afforded the opportunity to state his case on the day through his authorised representative and that under no circumstances was O'Callaghan instructed not to obtain from Ta Na La a timely, real and substantial effort to achieve the best possible placing. Walsh said he'd instructed O'Callaghan not to use the whip if Ta Na La was well beaten. But she'd outrun expectations. He blamed the jockey for not making enough effort to show the racing public that he was achieving his best possible position. Jockey Shane O'Callaghan. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho The IHRB statement on Monday's appeal outlines that Walsh's evidence was heard on a 'de-novo' basis, or for the first time. The three-person appeals board outlined how Walsh's authorised representative at Wexford was not asked by the stewards whether they were satisfied with O'Callaghan's ride. After hearing Walsh's evidence they lifted his €3,000 fine. But the horse's suspension stood. The outcome raises some questions, perhaps the most basic of which is why Walsh's authorised representative wasn't asked whether he was satisfied with O'Callaghan's ride? It seems an obvious thing to do in the circumstances. The function of authorised representatives in such circumstances also appears less than clear. What role, if any, are they expected to fill? Walsh said he hadn't spoken to his about the race, particularly, and the man was a friend rather than an employee. So, what was he expected to contribute? On a broader level, does an outcome like this reinforce concerns that the collective aspect to 'non-trier' breaches reflected in penalties for horse, trainer and jockey can work more in theory than in practise? The proper outcome was reached in the end but the untangling of such an apparently straightforward case puts the spotlight back on how such disciplinary processes are carried out on Irish racecourses. The idea is to present a convincing regulatory deterrent that reassures the betting public. This ended up looking worryingly slipshod. It underlines again the outmoded stewarding model in this country. Irish racing is an ultra-professional global business that, we are constantly told, is worth €2.5 billion a year. But it's shop window, the racecourse, is, in effect, policed by well-meaning amateur volunteers, different panels of which are dotted around the place. If the industry really cares about public perception it needs to both professionalise and centralise its regulation. There is no reason for running and riding inquiries to be held in a pressurised race-day environment on the ground. Everything that needs to be seen can be seen on camera at a central location by those paid and trained to interpret what's in front of them and correctly process any action that needs to be taken. The betting and racing public are entitled to no less and won't thank anyone for not getting it. Something for the Weekend The weekend highlight is Sunday's French Derby, where once again much pre-race focus will be on the impact of the draw in an 18-runner field. RIDARI (3.05) is in stall 11, a case of could be worse but could be better too. He had to be snatched up in the final strides of the 'Poulains', which cost him places, and better luck now can see the Aga Khan runner go close. The Cork runner-up SAMBA TRAIN (5.20) could progress enough to go one better in Saturday's Listowel finale.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SOUEAST Concludes 'Lighting Up the Middle East', Reinforces Regional Commitment
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOUEAST Motor has wrapped up its over-month-long "Lighting Up the Middle East" campaign, illuminating five iconic landmarks with its vibrant brand color, Ease Orange, paying tribute to EASE lifestyle. From Qatar to the UAE, this high-impact activation promoted the brand´s philosophy: "EASE YOUR LIFE." The campaign generated widespread public attention, drawing the eyes of over 560 million viewers both online and on-site. A Regional Tour of Light and Innovation Through a grand light show, the brand philosophy was deeply embedded in the urban contexts of different countries in the form of artistic lighting, showcasing SOUEAST's understanding and resonance with the "EASE Urban Lifestyle." First Stop: Igniting Qatar On February 17, SOUEAST's light show kicked off in Qatar. As night fell, the Aspire Tower, Qatar's tallest building, was illuminated in the brand's signature "Ease Orange," resembling a beam of light piercing the night sky, and becoming the most dazzling presence in the city's nightscape.(Image 1: SOUEAST 'Lighting Up the Aspire Tower') Second Stop: Shining on the Skyline in Iraq On February 20, the "Ease Orange" glow lit up the night sky in Iraq as SOUEAST presented an immersive light show blending technology and art at the Erbil 1 Tower. The entire building became a stage for lighting, with the brand slogan and SUV lineup flashing alternately across its facade, capturing the city's attention.(Image 2: SOUEAST 'Lighting Up the Erbil 1 Tower') Third Stop: Illuminating the Pearl of the Gulf On February 24, Kuwait City was "lit up" by SOUEAST. At the Kuwait landmark, the Avenues-Kuwait, wrapped in "Ease Orange," shone like a urban pearl in the night, turning into a vibrant symbol of the city's pulse in this Gulf nation.(Image 3: SOUEAST 'Lighting Up the Avenues-Kuwait') Fourth Stop: Interweaving Light and Shadow in Saudi Arabia On March 15, SOUEAST brought "Ease Orange" to Boulevard City Times Square, a trendy landmark in Riyadh. Multiple giant digital screens scrolled through animations of the brand and models, transforming the square into a digital art space for "EASE," perfectly presenting a visual feast where technology and humanity intertwine.(Image 4: SOUEAST 'Lighting Up the Boulevard City Times Square') Fifth Stop: Dancing with the Waves in the UAE On March 20, SOUEAST's "Lighting Up the Middle East" campaign reached its final stop, as the night sky over Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) in Dubai grew even more radiant with the SOUEAST's light display. The brand slogan and model projections shimmered on the sea, with lights dancing alongside the waves, creating a unique urban spectacle.(Image 5: SOUEAST 'Lighting Up the Jumeirah Beach Residence') Strengthening Brand Presence The campaign offered a unique glimpse into SOUEAST´s long-term commitment to the region. It showcased a lineup of three SUVs for the market: S09, a Smart Premium D-class SUV offering fashionable aesthetics, premium interiors, and spacious comfort. S07, an Urban Intelligent C-class SUV tailored for urban trendy youth. S06, an Urban Stylish C-class SUV, with hybrid S06 DM version for efficiency and long-range driving. All models undergo rigorous high-temperature durability testing, ensuring reliable performance in the Middle East´s demanding climate.(Image6: SOUEAST SUV Lineup) Deepening Regional Roots The campaign also supports SOUEAST´s broader Middle East strategy. With the establishment of its Saudi subsidiary, the company has opened a 12,000 m² spare parts center. In addition, it plans to enter the market of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Lebanon while establishing 14 new sales outlets, expanding access to products and services, and enhancing customer trust and convenience. The Journey Continues With the conclusion of the 'Lighting Up the Middle East' campaign, SOUEAST signals a new phase of engagement: one focused on long-term integration through localization, innovation, and brand affinity. Though the lights have dimmed, SOUEAST´s commitment to illuminating the region´s mobility future continues.(Image7: SOUEAST Lights Up the Middle East Night) Contact Person: Frida Fu Email: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in to access your portfolio
