Bellewstown 26th August 2026

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Eastern Wind (GB), trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was lame post race.

C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Long Gone, trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right throughout.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the end of the back straight involving Bryson, ridden by J. Smith, Howdoyalikeherhome, ridden by Joshua Halford, Long Gone, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, and Oh So Charming (GB), ridden by Kevin Healy, where it appeared contact was made. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

J. Smith, rider of Shabra Diya, trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

K.E Buckley, rider of Dunany Point, trained by Conor David Maxwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was carried out at the second hurdle by the loose horse.

P.T. Enright, rider of Avec Espoir (GB), trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the starter. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Joshua Halford, rider of Ardgillan, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the whip regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Joshua Halford was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Joshua Halford for nine racedays.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders' first two approaches to the starter. Having viewed the recording of the race, consulted with the IHRB starter, and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles number three, four and five to be omitted from this race

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fastnet Crystal, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Radar Ahead (GB), trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number five to be omitted from this race

The Raceday Stewards enquired from S. D. Torrens, rider of Garrick Painter, who slipped up approximately four furlongs from home. S. D. Torrens stated that there had been contact with the horse on his inside but he added that the cause of the fall was that the ground had moved from underneath his mount causing it to slip up. Having considered the evidence, viewed a recording of the race and consulted with the IHRB Clerk of the Course the Raceday Stewards then met with a delegation of Riders, the IHRB Clerk of the Course, representatives of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Asspciation and the Racecourse Manager. Having viewed the footage and considered the observations, the Raceday Stewards determined that in circumstances where they could not be satisfied that racing should continue due to safety concerns, it was with deep reluctance, they decided that there was no option but to abandon the remainder of the fixture under the provisions of Rule 10.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr Peter Reynolds, Mr F. G. Fitzsimons, Mrs Henrietta Egan, Mr L. Walsh.

The Raceday Stewards became aware of an issue concerning an injured horse in the vicinity of the Racecourse Stable yard. The Raceday Stewards referred the entire matter onto a Senior Racing Official under the provisions of Rule 14(ii)(b).

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