Downroyal 17th March 2026

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Carrig Padraig, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

C.P. Millar, rider of Good Show (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the start where High Notions, ridden by Kevin Healy had rushed the start despite the riders best efforts. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Needs Must, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly.

Kevin Healy, rider of High Notions, trained by S.G. Carey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he had tack issues on the way to the start.

P.T. Enright, rider of Welluknow, trained by M.A.Molloy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that the ground was too quick for his mount.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Coco Masterpiece (FR) trained by S.R.B. Crawford was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.

C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Monroes Hollow, trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after jumping the third last hurdle involving Let Him B, ridden by P. Byrnes, placed first and Dolly Watkins, ridden by S.D. Torrens, placed second, where it appeared slight interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Byrnes stated that when going for the gap he angled his mount slightly to the left, at that point he heard a shout from S.D. Torrens and immediately straightened up. S.D. Torrens stated that after jumping the third last his charge came off the bridle, he then felt minor interference and a little pressure from his left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted other than to remind P. Byrnes to be more aware, when making a manoeuver in the future.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Benwisken, trained by M.O.Quigley, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils on examination post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Surfin Usa (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approximately five furlongs from the finish, involving Surfin Usa (FR), ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, unplaced, where it appeared Surfin Usa (FR) ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr J.M. Halford, rider of Lizzie Twigg, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr J.M. Halford was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency), and having considered his record (second offence) they suspended him for five racedays.

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

Mr. P. Law (Chairman),

Mr. L. McFerran,

Mr. R.S. Martin,

Mrs. A. Smyth,

Mr. L. Walsh.

Following the running of race one, the IHRB Clerk of the Course changed the going on the hurdle track to good to yielding, yielding in places.

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