Galway 6th October 2026

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Galway Star (GB), ridden by D. King, and trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D. King said his instructions were to get his mount to settle, creep into the race and try to finish well. He added his mount ran keen early on, jumped clumsy, settled going out into the back straight before running on past tired horses in the straight. Eoin Christopher McCarthy confirmed the instructions given, adding he wanted the horse to run well today. He outlined the horses previous run in Listowel where he ran very disappointing and didn't learn from the experience. He added he had expected a good run on that day and the plan today was to get him to run as well as possible and despite getting close to a few hurdles he was very happy with the run. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Galway Star was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations from trainer and rider.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the straight involving Bowgate Street, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, and Kelly's Cosmos, ridden by P.T. Enright, where it appeared Kelly's Cosmos leaned right putting pressure on Bowgate Street. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Isdistheone, trained by Declan Queally, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed where Westoftignes, ridden by K.M. Donoghue, stood at the start momentarily after the flag had been dropped resulting in him jumping off behind the others. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

P.K. Donovan, rider of Timesareachanging, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hees Dynamite, trained by E. McNamara, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed C.M. Quirke, rider of Springboard, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who said he lost count of his whip use with the long run from the last to the line. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied the rider was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his clean record, they suspended him for five racedays.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. Justice Raymond Groarke (Chairman), Ms. Mary Cosgrave, Mr. John O'Shaughnessy, Mr. Donal H. Gavin, Mr. L. Walsh.

Prior to the race meeting, the Raceday Stewards ammended races one, two and seven to 2 miles 180 yards due to operational reasons.

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 one the IHRB Clerk of the Course changed the going to yielding to soft.

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