Curragh 28th March 2026

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

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Albert Einstein, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Charles O'Brien, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Big Gossey, placed first, as compared with its most recent run when finishing 22nd of 25 runners beaten 39 lengths at the Curragh on the 15th of March 2026. Charles O'Brien stated that a drop back in trip and more favourable ground conditions may have contributed to the improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted its content.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed P. Sweeney, trainer, in relation to the late arrival of his charge Pillar Of Hope into the parade ring and also his failure to parade his other runner Charming Whisper, who did not enter the parade ring. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who stated that he normally saddles in plenty of time but on this occasion the rider of Charming Whisper, was riding in the previous race and this delayed him receiving the saddle. He concluded by stating that Charming Whisper is a very difficult individual and did not co-operate when being saddled. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that P. Sweeney was in breach of Rule 32(ii) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they fined him €200 on this occasion.

W. Joyce, rider of Electric Beauty, trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was reluctant in cantering to the start which resulted in him leading his mount the rest of the way down. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approximately 2 furlongs from the finish involving Abbey Actress, ridden by B.M. Coen, and Sir Jeremy, ridden by Adam Caffrey, where it appeared both horses made slight contact. 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 Maurice Andrew Ahern, trainer of Lough Leane, regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his charge was very difficult when trying to apply the declared tongue-tie which caused a delay. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Maurice Andrew Aherne was in breach of Rule 32(ii) and having considered his clean record, they fined him €200 on this occasion.

J.J.G. Ryan, rider of Royal Impact, trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by a stall handler as the gates opened .

S. Foley, rider of Eichan San, trained by Daniel James Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount travelled to half way and didn't pick up thereafter.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Sally Ann Rafferty, Authorised Representative for Mark Fahey, trainer of Ferrari Desert, regarding the late arrival of the horse into the parade ring. Sally Ann Rafferty stated that her charge became very difficult when trying to apply the tongue tie. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mark Fahey was in breach of Rule 32(ii) and having considered his clean record, they fined him €200 on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Eichan San, trained by Daniel James Murphy, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances whereby a stall handler crossed in front of the stalls as they opened and was subsequently knocked to the ground. Evidence was heard from Mr J.R. Banahan, IHRB Senior Starter, Mr Emmanuel Behan, Stall Handler Team Leader and J.J.G. Ryan, rider of Royal Impact, who collided with the stall handler. Mr Banahan stated that he followed the correct procedure and started the race and was surprised to see a stall handler crossing in front of the horses as the gates opened. Mr Behan confirmed that the correct procedures were carried out and unfortunately a stall handler had dropped something in front of the stalls and turned back to pick it up without warning. He confirmed that the gentleman was uninjured by the incident. J.J.G. Ryan stated that a stall handler appeared from his left and that his mount knocked him down causing his horse to stumble and there was nothing he could do about it. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation under the provisions of Rule 14(ii)(b).

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (Chairman),
Mr. Anthony Byrne,
Mr. Stephen Collins,
Mr. Patrick Coveney,
Mr. L Walsh.

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