Ruby Walsh has questioned the length of trainer Ronan McNally's record 12-year ban from horse racing handed down by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Tuesday.
The Armagh-based handler was found guilty of breaking a number of racing rules following an IHRB investigation — including one charge of running and training his horses in a manner "prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing"
Former jockey and current tv pundit Walsh was left "confused" with the IHRB report and feels that the punishment doesn't fit the crime.
"There's no doubt there was an offence. There's no doubt there was something going on but I think like in every walk of life punishments have to fit crimes and it does seem very extensive," said Walsh.
McNally. who will appeal the ban, has enjoyed success with Dreal Deal and The Jam Man in recent seasons, and the pair were mentioned specifically in charges related to using the racecourse as a training ground, as well as not running on their merits.
"I read it and read it (the report). I kept thinking 'there has to be more to this, there has to be more to this' and it seemed to be the same offences repeated." said Walsh.
"They didn't think he was that blatant because nobody caught him on the day. He cannot have been blatant because all those races that were reopened, none of them had a stewards' enquiry on the day."
"It was the same thing four or five times, under four different rules and it's all added up in an amalgamation in the end."
Walsh also expressed frustration that the sums of money alleged to have been placed on McNally's horses was not revealed.
"That seemed to be the elephant in the whole thing didn't it? You got to one part thinking it was going to come and out then, nothing."
Ruby Walsh was speaking ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival where Racing TV is the only channel showing every race live. This weekend only, you can join on their best offer – just €12 a month for an entire year (usually €31). Visit racingtv.com/drf for details.'
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