Downpatrick 18th September 2026

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

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

S.D. Torrens, rider of Lone Ash Lad, trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered at the first hurdle.

Alan O'Sullivan, rider of Bluebell Breeze, trained by A.D. Leahy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered at the first hurdle.

M.P. O'Connor, rider of Nirisque (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was tight for room between the second last and the last hurdle.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident between the second last and the last hurdle involving Little Ginger, ridden by C.D Smithers, Lygon Lad, ridden by J.W. Kennedy and Nirisque (FR), ridden by M.P. O'Connor where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.D Smithers stated that his mount shied away from the horse coming upsides him which he immediately tried to correct. J.W. Kennedy stated that as he made his run, Little Ginger shied away. M.P. O'Connor stated that he had to take back slightly when he felt pressure from the outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and they determined that C.D Smithers had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the interference from occurring and they therefore took no further action.

T.E. O'Connor, rider of Lisnadill (GB), trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount attempted to refuse the first hurdle.

The Raceday Stewards advised C.A.McBratney, trainer of Lisnadill (GB), that a repeat performance from his charge who attempted to refuse the first hurdle, may render the animal liable for suspension in the future.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the first approach to the start resulting in a false start and after consultation with the IHRB starter, they were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the bend into the home straight involving Pahlavi, ridden by H.E. Sexton and John Dixen, ridden by S. O'Callaghan, where it appeared the rider of John Dixen took a check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. H.E. Sexton stated that his mount hit the front earlier than intended and idled on doing so, which he attempted to correct immediately. S. O'Callaghan stated that Pahlavi raced clear of him and that he took a precautionary check on the point of the bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further was warranted.

P. Cleary, rider of Tropical Twist, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

S.D. Torrens, rider of Lucky This Time, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Georginas Jet, trained by Paul John Gilligan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame left fore and had burst a blood vessel post race.

C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Walkmethroughit, trained by Kieran Callaghan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left throughout.

A. Balfe, rider of Schiehallion, trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right throughout.

E. Finegan, rider of Jackson Lamb, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller at the third last fence.

S. O'Callaghan, rider of Following Orders, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller at the third last fence.

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

Mr. R. Steele (Chairman),

Mr. C.P. Magnier,

Ms. A. Millar,

Mr. J.G. McCoy,

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).

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