Downpatrick 9th October 2026

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

P. Cleary, rider of Tommy Go Maith, trained by Thomas Patrick McGettigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled hard and stopped quickly.

A. Balfe, rider of Centaq, trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount felt wrong coming down the hill and pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the false start and were satisfied that this was caused by Dark Berkshire bolting despite the riders best efforts and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Kevin Healy, rider of King Of Westeros, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung violently left and was keen throughout.

H.E. Sexton, rider of The Chancie Grey, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very keen to the first hurdle and clipped a heel. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined King Of Westeros, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the approach to the last fence involving Fr Gilligansvoyge (GB), ridden by Sarah Kavanagh and Mini Getaway, ridden by A. Harvey, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Sarah Kavanagh stated that she felt her mount was not going forward enough to keep her position. She did however confirm that contact was made and that Mini Getaway was not clear of her when moving across. A. Harvey stated that his mount was lairy and had a look at the last and veered right at the last minute. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found A. Harvey, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.

Kevin Healy, rider of Bayonetta, trained by Gerald Stephen Quinn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

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

Mr. R.W. Steele (Chairman),

Mr. L. McFerran,

Mr. C.C. Cunningham,

Mr. F.G. Fitzsimons,

Mr. A. Ring.

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).


Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for the fourth fence to be omitted from races six and seven.

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