Downpatrick 8th May 2026

The Stewards fined the following trainers in respect of their non-runners:-

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

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, C.P. Millar, rider of Herecomesmybaby, trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a couple of errors and found the ground a bit quick so he held him together coming down the hill before running on.

Josh Williamson, rider of Kalsman, trained by Liam Lennon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left throughout.

Michael Kenneally, rider of Artic Chief, trained by Liam Lennon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly off the bend.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from C.A.McBratney, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Gangster Granny, placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Bellewstown on the 18th of April. C.A.McBratney reported that the return to this track and nicer ground may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from P.Cluskey, trainer of Free Vango, for an additional 10 minutes to present his charge for identification by an IHRB Official in accordance with Rule 90(i).

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Francis Casey, trainer of Go Avel, for an additional 10 minutes to present his charge for identification by an IHRB Official in accordance with Rule 90(i).

Anna McGuinness, rider of Auntie Ida, trained by Patrick Eugene Turley, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount never travelled.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lagoon Nebula (GB), trained by Andrew Kinirons, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Finnians Row, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Dermot Anthony McLoughlin reported that the application of first time blinkers may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from W.R. Crawford, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dinoland (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent form. W.R. Crawford reported that the change of tactics today may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr. Robert Steele (Chairman),
Mr. Thomas Breen,
Mr. David Aiken,
Mr. C.P. Magner,
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.