Punchestown 14th October 2026

The Stewards authorised the following substitutions of riders at this meeting:

Sarah Kavanagh, rider of Juarileo, trained by Edward F. Power, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung right throughout.

The Raceday Stewards received a request from John Joseph Hanlon, trainer of River Ore (GB), to substitute the nominated rider D. Meyler, with R Sugrue. Ms Rachael O Neill, authorised representative for the trainer, stated that R Sugrue was familiar with the horse and it was the horses first run over hurdles. Having considered the request, the Raceday Stewards granted the request. .

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, B.W. Harvey, rider of Caprison, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he sat behind the leaders and he stayed on in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the start of this race where it appeared Take The Free, ridden by M P Walsh did not jump off with the other runners. Evidence was heard from Mr D Cullen, IHRB Starter and M P Walsh. Mr. D Cullen stated that he was unaware that M P Walsh had began to restrain his mount on the approach to the start adding that he didn't hear a call from the rider. M P Walsh stated that he felt the others were moving forward too quickly so he took back adding he didn't feel a start would be effected. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that a fair start had been effected and that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Wonderful Everyday, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vitorio Piel (FR), trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Ross O'Sullivan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Giant Haystacks, placed first, as compared with its recent run. Mr Tom Harney, authorised representative for the trainer, reported that the better ground today brought about the improvement. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted its content.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the first bend where it appeared horses came close together on the bend shortly after the start involving Harbour Highway, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, Mags Nelson, ridden by Mr L.P. Shanahan, Fr Gilligansvoyge (GB), ridden by Ms P.R. Briselden, Revolut Ned, ridden by Mr A.P. Kennedy, and Subset, ridden by Mr B.M. Coonan. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr D O'Connor, Ms P R Briselden and Mr A P Kennedy all stated that it was congestion on the bend. Mr B M Coonan stated that his mount backed out of it when getting pressure from both sides. Mr L P Shanahan stated that he got pressure from his outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Harbour Highway, trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a wound on its right fore knee and associated swelling down the cannon bone post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Hill Silver, ridden by Mr D. McGill, placed third and Sharbel, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second, where it appeared they both came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr D McGill stated that he received pressure in the last furlong from his left which he feels cost him momentum, he further added that the first bump was his horse shifting out for a stride. Mr P W Mullins stated that there was no contact at any stage in the closing stages. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that both Mr D McGill and Mr P W Mullins were in breach of Rule 214 in that they had ridden carelessly. Having considered Mr D McGills record in this regard(second offenece)they suspended him for four racedays. Having considered Mr P W Mullins record in this regard(second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.

Mr D. McGill, rider of Hill Silver, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got a bump in the last furlong.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr L McFerran (Chairman),
Mr J M McGrath,
Mr J Collins,
Mr J Byrne,
Mr C J Sweeney.

For this race meeting, the Raceday Stewards suspended the "starting procedures for tape starts" and the IHRB suspended Rule 208(i) and Rule 209(i).

Disclaimer: Please note this information is provisional and is subject to amendment until published in the Irish Racing Calendar.