Gowranpark 22nd January 2026

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

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kingkong Ciergues (FR), trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

D.J. O'Connor, rider of West Cork Wildway, trained by Paul O'Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room four out. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the approach to the last hurdle involving Ontheropes, ridden by S. Cleary-Farrell, placed second, and The Lovely Man, ridden by E. Staples, placed first, where it appeared The Lovely Man crossed Ontheropes. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that The Lovely Man was clear of Ontheropes and that no further action was warranted.

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

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Funiculi Funicula (FR), ridden by P. Townend, placed second, and King Alexander, ridden by B. Hayes, placed third, where it appeared Funiculi Funicula had to check and switch. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Townend stated that he got tight for room when they met the railing again. B. Hayes stated that Mr Townend was not in the gap and did not have to check and his movement to the right was exaggerated by the rail alignment. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found B. Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended B. Hayes for two racedays.

B. Hayes, rider of King Alexander, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right after the last.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed B. Hayes, rider of King Alexander, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his arm was not above shoulder height as it is something he has worked hard on. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards accepted B. Hayes' explanation and were satisfied he was not in breach of the Regulation and therefore they took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the false starts of this race. The following riders attended the enquiry: D.E. Mullins, J.J. Slevin, B. Hayes, J.P. Shinnick, P. Townend, S. Cleary-Farrell, D.J. O'Keeffe, Kevin Healy, J.W. Kennedy, D.A Kidd, K.M. Donoghue, E. Staples, C.P. Millar, S.F. O'Keeffe, J.H. Williamson and M.P. Walsh. Evidence was heard from the starter and a collection of senior riders. The IHRB Starter, Mr J. R. Banahan stated that the field were coming slightly too quickly and he was waiting for them to straighten up on the first approach and he could not let them off. He added that they then split after the second false start where some of the riders went back to the fence before the start while the others only retreating back to the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the starts and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to refer the set up of the start for future Thyestes Chases to a Senior Racing Official for consideration.

Mr H.C. Swan, rider of Huntin Boots, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room turning in.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning for home involving Huntin Boots, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, placed second, Our Trigger, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed first, and Infinity Succes (FR), ridden by Mr D.L. Queally, placed fourth, where it appeared Huntin Boots ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr H. C. Swan stated that things got a little tight. Mr P. W. Mullins stated that he did not move in and it was the rider on the inside not taking the bend correctly. Mr D. L. Queally stated that he maintained his line and caused no interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr P. W. Mullins was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr P. W. Mullins for two racedays.

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

Mr N. P. Lambert (Chairman),

Mr Denis Hickey,

Mr Victor Connolly,

Ms Denise Brophy,

Mr L. Walsh.

Owing to ground conditions, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number five to be omitted from all hurdle races

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