Cork 3rd May 2026

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sparky Sparky, trained by J.P. Murtagh, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Hasita, ridden by N.G. McCullagh, placed third and Kilmac Air, ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed fourth, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. N.G. McCullagh stated that his filly shifted over but that he immediately put down his stick and straightened up. G.M. Ryan stated that as he moved across to make his run he felt pressure from Kilmac Air. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

G.M. Ryan, rider of Kilmac Air, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeded inside the last furlong.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Samurai Mike (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who felt that he rode within the whip regulations. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ipanema Queen, trained by Robson De Aguiar, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

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

D. Browne McMonagle, rider of Comfort Zone, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost his action for a few strides turning into the home straight.

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

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident early in the home straight involving Arctic Assassin, ridden by J. Pietropaolo, unplaced and Bear Right, ridden by K.G. Kennedy, unplaced, where it appeared the two came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. Pietropaolo stated that he kicked for a gap which then closed. He further added that he was aware that Bear Right was in front of him. K.G. Kennedy stated that his filly became intimidated from the outside and drifted in, but that he kept his line as best he could. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Having been informed of the nature of the enquiry and his right to be accompanied, K.G. Kennedy elected to proceed without accompaniment and Dylan Browne McMonagle accompanied J. Pietropaolo.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Contrite (GB), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Adam Caffrey, rider of Dreamkeeper, trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped a heel going into the first bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

L.F. Roche, rider of Contrite (GB), trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't handle the ground.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the back straight involving Churchfield Lady (GB), ridden by S.T. McCullagh, unplaced, and Lady Kelly, ridden by B.M. Coen, unplaced, where it appeared the two got tight for room. 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 K.G. Kennedy, rider of Aravalli, 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 regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that K.G. Kennedy was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays. Having been informed of the nature of the enquiry and his right to be accompanied, K.G. Kennedy elected to proceed without accompaniment.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Abbotsford (GB), 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 regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that C.D. Hayes was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Mr. R. Rohan (Chairman),

Mr C. O'Mahony,

Mr. S. McDonogh,

Mr. L. Aspell.

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