The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced the conclusion of its inquiries into an alleged post-race incident following the running of the 2013 Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday 18 June 2013.

The inquiries were instigated as a result of BHA being made aware of a video posted on YouTube which suggested that an unidentified item had been passed between Johnny Murtagh, rider of Sole Power (placed first) and Sarah Lynam, the daughter of trainer Eddie Lynam. The inquiry process was overseen by Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation for BHA.

BHA’s inquiries found that nothing untoward had taken place and clearly established that after unsaddling Sole Power in the Winners Enclosure following the race Sarah Lynam placed the girth carried by Sole Power during the race, and which had been removed from the horses tack during unsaddling, over the saddle of Johnny Murtagh. It was also established that at no time did Johnny Murtagh pass any item to Sarah Lynam.

As part of these inquiries Johnny Murtagh, Eddie Lynam, and Sarah Lynam were interviewed. Eddie Lynam also represented the interests of Mrs S Power, the owner of Sole Power. All parties were accompanied during the interviews by Mr Frank Ward, Frank Ward & Co. Solicitors, Dublin.

Also reviewed was the official Stewards patrol footage of the race, together with all footage recorded by Channel 4 in their terrestrial coverage and high-quality footage of the incident (which can be found in a file attached to this press release) provided by At The Races.

It was also noted that the Clerk of the Scales report from this race recorded Johnny Murtagh as having weighed out to ride Sole Power at 9st 4lb, the same weight he weighed in at following the race.

Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation for BHA, said:

“With these findings establishing that nothing untoward took place following the running of the 2013 Kings Stand Stakes, and that there had not been any breach of the Rules, the matter is now closed. BHA appreciates the assistance of At the Races and Channel 4 in providing requested footage in relation to this matter.”