Dundalk 23rd January 2026

J.A. Heffernan, rider of Sceitimini, trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't get a clear run and had to change leads two furlongs out.

D.P. McDonogh, rider of An Laochmor, trained by Daniel James Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that something ran into the back of his mount three furlongs out.

Nicola Burns, rider of Phil's Dream, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount was slowly away.

W. Joyce, rider of Cause I Like You, trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran short of room turning in.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Hezahunk, trained by Patrick J. McKenna, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned right in the straight.

L.F. Roche, rider of Subiaco, trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ducked for the parade ring gate.

J.S. Dalton, rider of Doitforjill Ronnie, trained by Donncha Duggan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident early in the home straight involving Ballysax Lil' Mick, ridden by K.J. Leonard, An Laochmor, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, and Cause I Like You, ridden by W. Joyce where it appeared Cause I Like You had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. W. Joyce confirmed that he got tight for room down the rail. D.P. McDonogh stated that he looked across three times and was clear of Ballysax Lil' Mick. K.J. Leonard stated that D.P. McDonogh was clear of him initially but subsequently stated that he wasn't fully clear and he rolled over to the rail with him. He added that he was aware of W. Joyce on his outer. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found K.J. Leonard was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Kieran P. Cotter, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Subiaco, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Kieran P. Cotter reported that his charge had been gelded since his last run and it was his first time on this surface which may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Subiaco trained by Kieran P. Cotter was found to be a gelding and not a colt as shown on the passport presented. Having considered the report, the Raceday Stewards fined the trainer €130 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 148(xii).

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident early in the home straight involving Hasten Slowly, ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, Kartayaz, ridden by Zoe McMullan, Guest Star (GB), ridden by Sadhbh Tormey, and Nibras Rainbow, ridden by G.F. Carroll where it appeared Hasten Slowly had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Siobhan Rutledge stated that she had to take a precautionary check but was going backwards at the time. She further added that she could see the horses coming over towards the rail. Sadhbh Tormey stated that she was pushed over slightly but felt no contact. G.F. Carroll stated that he held his line. Zoe McMullan stated that she kept her racing line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to advise Zoe McMullan to react quicker when in a similar situation in future.

J.J.G. Ryan, rider of River Derwent (GB), trained by Thomas Coyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Paul W. Flynn, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dawn Flame (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Paul W. Flynn reported that his charge had progressed from his seasonal return ten days ago. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Another Day Done, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

R.M Mulligan, rider of Snap Decision, trained by Donncha Duggan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right throughout.

Jessica O'Gorman, rider of Before You Go, trained by Daniel James Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung badly right throughout.

R. Donaghue-Leahy, rider of Sixpence Stella, trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung right and ran green throughout.

W.M. Lordan, rider of Fate's Gambit, trained by Robson De Aguiar, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green and leaned right when he hit the front.

K.G. Kennedy, rider of Hot Hot (GB), trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right up the straight.

J.J.G. Ryan, rider of My Oddessy, trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right.

The Raceday Stewards informed Kevin Michael Smith, trainer, that Spirit Above, would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

W.M. Lordan, rider of Life Well Led, trained by Natalia Lupini, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right.

R.M Mulligan, rider of Spirit Above, trained by Kevin Michael Smith, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount refused to race.

G.M. Ryan, rider of Astronomically, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount receiced a slight bump at the top of the straight and ran around thereafter.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Full Moon Tonight (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slightly impeded on the line but it made no difference.

Brandon Wilkie, rider of Spirit Honour, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.E. Harnett, rider of Sinbad My Dad, 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 J.E. Harnett was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) 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. P. Stewart (Chairman),
Mr. C. Cunningham,
Mr. L. McFerran,
Mr. J. McCoy,
Mr. L. Walsh.

Arising out of incidents rounding the final bend in races one and two, the Raceday Stewards invited all riders into the Stewards room to remind them of their responsibilities to ride a safe racing line when switching to the stand side. Footage of race three was shown where a large field of runners safely rounded the final bend as an example of what Raceday Stewards expect from all riders in future.

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