Dundalk 9th January 2026

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

The Raceday Stewards interviewed A.S. Grant, rider of Nakasero, 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. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that A.S. Grant was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended A.S. Grant for four racedays.

H.J. Horgan, rider of Voice Of Reason, trained by William Delahunty, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right up the home straight.

P. McGettigan, rider of Trishuli River, trained by Shane Crawley, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got a bump three furlongs out.

P.A. Harnett, rider of Sinbad My Dad, trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he had to take a check a furlong out. Having viewed the recording of the race the Raceday Stewards noted that P.A. Harnett had to take a slight check and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, J.E. Harnett, rider of Old Peculier (GB), trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran keen and clipped a heel on the bend leaving the home straight on the first circuit. Having viewed the recording of the race, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Nicola Burns, rider of Zezuru, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung left.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Satisfy My Soul, trained by John S. O'Donoghue, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Blanc De Blanc (USA), trained by Robson De Aguiar, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount wandered around a furlong out.

S.T. McCullagh, rider of Arrietty, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that the bit went through his mount's mouth in the stalls. Causing him to be slowly away.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the final furlong involving Astronomically, ridden by P.A. Harnett, placed second and Blanc De Blanc (USA), ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.A. Harnett stated that when coming to challenge he had to take back, lost momentum and had to come back around. D.W. O'Connor stated that he felt he was always clear when his mare rolled around. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

P.A. Harnett, rider of Astronomically, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he took back and had to come around in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after the start involving Imperial Fighter, ridden by R.M Mulligan, placed fifth, Brains, ridden by P. McGettigan, unplaced, and Marbush (GB), ridden by Nicola Burns, unplaced, where it appeared Marbush (GB) clipped a heel and had to take a check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R.M Mulligan stated that he had to take back. P. McGettigan stated that his mount ran free but felt that he was well clear. However he accepted that Marbush (GB) had to take a check back. Nicola Burns stated that her mount ran keen and she had to take a check when she slightly caught a heel. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found P. McGettigan, 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 P. McGettigan for four racedays.

P. McGettigan, rider of Brains, trained by R.Donohoe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.

D.S. O'Sullivan, rider of Smaoineamh Sile (GB), trained by Conor David Maxwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

G.P. Halpin, rider of Lady Luck, trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was carried across the track from a furlong down. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, L.F. Roche, rider of Heart Of Eternity, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was trapped wide, ran a bit keen, had to sit momentarily when things started to get tight. He further added that his mount had a bit of a blow.

P. McGettigan, rider of Nelliestar, trained by Thomas Patrick McGettigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

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

Mr. P. Stewart (Chairman),

Mr. Justice T. Hunt,

Mr. H. Lappin,

Mr. D. McCormack,

Mr. P. Deegan.

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