Downpatrick 9th August 2026

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

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

Sam Ewing, rider of Clanokre Lass, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left going to the last hurdle.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tropical Twist, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a graze with moderate swelling over its right front knee, otherwise post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Samba Train, trained by E. Bolger, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have lost its right front shoe in running, otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Gangster Granny, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and the IHRB Veterinary Officer, including photographic evidence. S.W. Flanagan stated that one strike was made by another rider on his inside, who had accidentally struck him on his back and that strike deflected onto his mount. He further added that he could not account for the other marks other than that the filly may be light skinned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that S.W. Flanagan was in breach of R10.3.(f)(force) and having considered his clean record on this occasion they suspended him for two racedays. Chairman Mr D. McCorkell and Raceday Steward Rev. C. Hall-Thompson recused themselves from this enquiry. Mrs. S. Keegan acted as Chairperson for this enquiry.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Theflyingbee, ridden by Mr J.R. Martin and Gangster Granny, ridden by S.W. Flanagan, where it appeared that Mr J.R. Martin may have accidentally struck S.W. Flanagan and his mount Gangster Granny. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that this was accidental and that no further action was warranted.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Ballinagaine Girl, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly and pulled up.

Mr J. Dunne, rider of Tommy's Ticket, trained by Chris Timmons, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.

Mr B.M. Coonan, rider of Greenmeansgo, trained by John G. Carr, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

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

Mr. D. McCorkell (Chairman),

Mr. J. Collins,

Mrs. S. Keegan,

Rev. C. Hall-Thompson,

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).

Following the running of Race six the IHRB Clerk of The Course changed the official going to good, good to yielding.

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