Bellewstown 18th April 2026

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

E. Finegan, rider of Chief Josef, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped heels turning in.

D. Robinson, rider of Pilgrims Walk, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was one paced and jumped slowly.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the bend turning for home involving Chief Josef, ridden by E. Finegan and Monntie, ridden by Elizabeth Gale where it appeared Chief Josef clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. E. Finegan stated that Monntie came out a small bit and he clipped a heel. Elizabeth Gale stated that the horse in front of her was coming back so she moved out but felt she was clear at the time. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Elizabeth Gale was in breach of Rule 214 in that she had ridden carelessly, and having considered her clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended her for two racedays.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Jazz Forever, trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a noise and pulled up.

R.A. Doyle, rider of Speedy Box, trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident rounding the bend turning for home where it appeared Double Power, ridden by P.J. O'Hanlon ran short of room momentarily. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

G. Brouder, rider of Tsavo Park, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left up the straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Galavanting George, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be slightly lame on its left fore.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in between the second last and last hurdle involving Dairy Force, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and Blue Reed (FR), ridden by F. Brickley, where it appeared contact was made between the two. 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 requested a report from John C. McConnell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Bella Union, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Cillian McConnell, Authorised Representative for the trainer reported that he could offer no explanation for the improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Tropical Twist, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout and pulled up.

Mr P.W. Gleeson, rider of Boston Breeze (GB), trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left up the straight.

Mr R. Guiney, rider of Dinoland (FR), trained by W.R. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount flipped his palette in the home straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Money Heist, trained by Gary McGill, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have some skin abrasions but to be otherwise post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gallant George, trained by Ian Patrick Donoghue, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have injured its left front.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Priory Park, ridden by Mr L.P. Barnett, Gallant George, ridden by Mr J. Dunne, and Gangster Granny, ridden by Mr N. McParlan where it appeared Gallant George went wrong and Mr J. Dunne tried to pull him up. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr J. Dunne stated that he did his best to try pull his mount up safely without interfering with any of the other runners. Mr N. McParlan stated that he passed Gallant George and wasn't aware of the situation. Mr L.P. Barnett stated that he saw Mr J. Dunne trying to pull his mount up so he tried to go around him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted regarding Rule 216.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman),
Mr. J.G. McCoy,
Rev. Colin Hall Thompson,
Mr. Laurence McFerran,
Mr. P. Deegan.

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.