Downpatrick 29th March 2026

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

Mr O. McGill, rider of Saunton Surf, trained by Gary McGill, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a slight noise.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Andrew Kinirons, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Lips Freedom (GER), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Andrew Kinirons reported that the change of tactics today on a different track combined with the better ground and the application of a first time tongue strap may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. L. Wyer, that D.J Gilligan, rider of Blue Reed (FR), had weighed in at 1.4lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his gloves were wet and his goggles had kickback on them. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.J. Gilligan was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his clean record in this regard, they cautioned him on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined John Storey, trained by Ian Patrick Donoghue, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Eoin Griffin, trainer of Lough Nigara, concerning the conduct of his charge who refused to race. Eoin Griffin stated that his charge can be very difficult. He added that he collided with the railing leaving the parade ring and upon arriving at the start was examined by a vet. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards informed Eoin Griffin that a repeat performance from his charge may render the animal liable to a suspension in the future.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lough Nigara, trained by Eoin Griffin, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Gavin Cromwell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Born Braver, placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Punchestown on the 15th of February. Justin McGovern, Authorised Representative for the trainer reported that the better ground today may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

A. Harvey, rider of Bodhisattva, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the faller at halfway.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Caragh Monaghan, rider of I A Connect, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted she was in breach of the whip Regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Caragh Monaghan was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered her clean record in this regard, they suspended her for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer, Dr. L. Ferguson where it appeared Solly Attwell ridden by D.J Gilligan had whip marks on its hind quarters post race. The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J. Gilligan concerning his use of the whip. Evidence was was heard from the rider concerned and the IHRB Veterinary Officer Dr. L. Ferguson who showed photographic evidence of her findings. D.J. Gilligan stated that his mount acted up in the box on the way to the races but could offer no explanation as to why the horse was marked. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D.J. Gilligan was in breach of R.10.3(f)(force) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

Owing to operational reasons, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence number two to be omitted from this race

P. Townend, rider of Strutter (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

Owing to operational reasons, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence two to be omitted from this race.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr. Robert Steele (Chairman),
Mr. P.G. Stewart,
Mrs. S. Keegan,
Mr. F.G. Fitzsimmons,
Mr. A. Ring.

The Raceday Stewards suspended the "Starting proceedures for tape starts" and the IHRB suspended the relevant parts of Rule 208 and 209

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