Galway 2nd August 2026

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

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

Kevin Healy, rider of Barrys Spirit, trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

Jonathan Fogarty, trainer of Bannow Blaze, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge had blood at the nostrils post race. This was subsequently confirmed by the Veterinary Officer.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Doping Control Officer, Ms. Sinead Tarrant that E. Staples, rider, tested positive for alcohol following a pre race test. Evidence was heard from Ms. Tarrant, Ms. Abby Tarrant, Assistant Doping Control Officer, Dr Adrian McGoldrick IHRB Medical Officer and Mr. Staples. Ms. Abby Tarrant stated that Mr Staples was tested at 13.27 and 13.38 which were negative but displayed an amber result. At 14.23 he underwent a lab test which returned a level in excess of 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Dr. McGoldrick stated that he witnessed the alcometer test and confirmed the reading. Mr. Staples stated that he was informed by a Raceday Integrity Officer that he was required for a test. He stated that he lost a considerable amount of weight in a short space of time which may have been a factor in the positive test but accepted he had tested positive for alcohol. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood the rider down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(i)(c).

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J. O'Connor, rider of Party President, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated the horse was a lazy type but accepted he was in breach of the regulation with regard to being out of contention. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(b)(out of contention) and having taken his clean record into account suspended him for two race days.

Conor Rabbitt, rider of Pinot Rouge, trained by Jessica Bedi (in GB), reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards considered a report from Mr. A. Ring, Stewards' Secretary, regarding the behaviour of Mr. D.L. Queally, rider, in the weigh room during an exchange with Mr. J.R. Banahan, Starter. Evidence was heard from Mr. Ring and Mr. Banahan in the absense of Mr. Queally who had departed the racecourse. Having considered the accounts furnished and in the absense of Mr. Queally, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that there was a sufficient basis to refer the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Golden Temple, trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Journey So Far, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Saunton Surf, trained by Gary McGill, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Journey So Far, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran disappointingly.

Mr D. McGill, rider of Saunton Surf, trained by Gary McGill, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a mistake early on and pulled up.

S.D. Torrens, rider of Mistyburn, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't get a great start.

Ms Eleanor Broderick, trainer of Lisleigh Lad, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge scoped dirty post race.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Doping Control Officer, Ms. Sinead Tarrant that L.F. Roche, rider, tested positive for alcohol following a pre race test. Evidence was heard from Ms. Tarrant, Ms. Abby Tarrant, Assistant Doping Control Officer, Dr. A. Lehane, IHRB Medical Officer and L.F. Roche. Ms. Sinead Tarrant reported that all jockeys were tested today including Mr. Roche. Ms. Abby Tarrant stated that Mr. Roche was tested at 15.06 which returned an amber reading, he was tested again at 15.15 which returned a red reading. When tested on the Alcometer he returned a result in excess of 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. Dr. Lehane stated that she witnessed the Alcometer reading and could confirm the figures. Mr. Roche accepted the evidence of the Doping Control Officers and Medical Officer. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood the rider down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(i)(c).

R.P. Whelan, rider of Vafortino, trained by Charlie Fellowes (in GB), reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't get a clear run.

Reese Holohan, rider of Into Tomorrow, trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got no luck in running.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Unfamiliar, trained by Kevin Michael Smith, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered turning in.

Sadhbh Tormey, rider of Felix Somary, trained by John S. O'Donoghue, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount got a bit tight turning in.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn into the straight involving Felix Somary, ridden by Sadhbh Tormey, Unfamiliar, ridden by C.D. Hayes and Jp's Express, ridden by W. Joyce where it appeared Unfamiliar got hampered on the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.D. Hayes stated that he felt something coming outside of him when he shouted and was ignored. W. Joyce stated that he took out to get a clear run and kept his racing line. Sadhbh Tormey stated that she was trying to get up through a gap when her horse shied from Jp's Express and went across Unfamiliar at which point she pulled her stick through. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Sadhbh Tormey in breach of Rule 214 in that she had ridden carelessly, and having considered her record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended her for four race days. .

Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of Back In Favour, trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount met with interference in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Back In Favour, ridden by Miss A.B. O'Connor, placed fourth and The Two Mary's, ridden by Ms K.M. Ryan, placed third, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that The Two Mary's had caused interference to Back In Favour and as a result of this interference had improved its finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the third and fourth placed horses and amended the result to read as follows:

Amended Result:
First: Caislean Gear
Second: Linford
Third: Back In Favour
Fourth: The Two Mary's
Fifth: Mindyourheadmike
Sixth: Reafadda

Futhermore the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that the incident was caused by accidental interference and so took no further action.

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

Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (Chairman)
Mr. Justice Raymond Groarke
Mr. Paddy Molony
Mr. Peter M. Allen
Mr. P. Deegan

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.