Downroyal 4th May 2026

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

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

T. Joseph Kelly, rider of Ehteyat (GER), trained by M.K.Flannery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running and pulled up. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer.

R.A. Doyle, rider of Persian Bliss (GB), trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer.

The Raceday Stewards using their powers under Rule 196(v) fined D.P. Maxwell, €200 for failing to present himself to be weighed out not less than a quarter of an hour before the time fixed for the Race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Soldier Saint, trained by Mark Edmund McCrory, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

S. O'Callaghan, rider of Soldier Saint, trained by Mark Edmund McCrory, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly.

J.P. Shinnick, rider of Crypto Crash (GB), trained by David Kenneth Budds, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left under pressure.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Staffordshire Knot, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame left hind.

Kevin Healy, rider of Scalpnagoon, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second last fence.

J. Smith, rider of Staffordshire Knot, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped poorly.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed G. Brouder, rider of Barrow Ranger, 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 Whip Regulation and felt his horse was green and responding to the strikes. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that G. Brouder was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed H.E. Sexton, rider of Goody Four Shoes, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that H.E. Sexton was in breach of R.10.3(i)(time to respond) and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

Kevin Healy, rider of Hardy Diamond, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake down the back.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident turning into the home straight involving Four Pillars, ridden by Mr R. Guiney and Todo Bien, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, where it appeared contact was made on a couple of occasions. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

P.J. Cody, rider of Charles Kickham (GB), trained by Kieran Purcell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran too free.

Mr S. Connor, rider of Eillis, trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left under pressure.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approximately six furlongs from home, involving Beacon Bypass, ridden by Mr J.R. Martin, Born To Caledonie (FR), ridden by Mr M.N. Sharpe and Weaponized, ridden by Mr R. Sugrue, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. J.R. Martin stated that he took back when things got tight for room. Mr M.N. Sharpe that he felt pressure from the inside though he thought he had left plenty of room rounding the bend. Mr R. Sugrue stated that he held his position on the inside when things got tight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr M.N. Sharpe, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

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

Mr. T. Breen (Chairman),

Dr. P. Molony,

Mr. R.W. Steele,

Rev. C. Hall-Thompson,

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.