Curragh 22nd August 2026

The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of their non-runner:-

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

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Ar Son Na Cuise, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving The Austrian, ridden by S. Foley, and Saxony Charms, ridden by W.J. Lee, where it appeared The Austrian went left into the path of Saxony Charms. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. Foley stated that his mount got unbalanced on ground that may have been a bit quick for his charge and he shifted drastically left when he struck him with the stick. W. J. Lee stated that his race was run and he took a precautionary check when the other horse ducked left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards gave S. Foley the benefit of the doubt on this occasion and they took no further action.

S. Foley, rider of The Austrian, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount took time to warm up into the race and ducked left when he hit it.

A.J. Slattery, rider of Will You Stop, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding, with particular emphasis on the final fifty yards, of Florida Bay (placed second), ridden by R.P. Whelan, and trained by A.P.O'Brien. Evidence was heard from the rider and the Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned. R.P. Whelan stated that his instructions were to go forward and be handy. He further added that he had gone hard and his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise close to the line. Chris Armstrong, Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned, confirmed the instructions given and added that the trainer had expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Florida Bay was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations given and took no further action in relation to Rule 212. They were however satisfied that R. P. Whelan was in breach of Rule 213, in that he had failed to report anything which might have affected the running of his mount in a race and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended R. P. Whelan for one raceday.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approximately two and a half furlongs from home involving Giant Sequoia (USA), ridden by W.M. Lordan, and Nola Soul (USA), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, where it appeared there was slight contact 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.

Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Gotta Catch'em All, trained by H.Rogers, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount stumbled leaving the stalls.

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

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Nellcote, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged right in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Nellcote, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, and Letiza, ridden by A.J. Slattery, where it appeared there was contact 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 interviewed Mark Fahey, trainer of Unidos, and J. E. Harnett, rider of Unidos,in relation to their charges arrival to post after the off time which contributed to a five minute delay to the off time of this race. Mark Fahey stated that his charge had been very difficult and had unseated the rider. He added that his charge may be better suited to a professional rider. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards reminded the trainer and the rider of their responsibilities under Rule 205 and advised Mark Fahey that a repeat performance from his charge may render the animal liable to withdrawal or a suspension in the future.

N.M. Crosse, rider of Soulful Diva, trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.

J.E. Harnett, rider of Unidos (GB), trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was awkward from the stalls.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Platino Bianco, trained by Conor David Maxwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stumbled leaving the stalls.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chairman), Dr Frank Kenny, Mr N. P. Lambert, Dr Tom McDonagh, Mr L. Walsh.

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