Leopardstown 27th December 2025

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Manoir De Mirande (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence number one to be omitted from this race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Majborough (FR), ridden by M. P. Walsh, placed third, Marine Nationale, ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed second, and Solness (FR), ridden by S. Ewing, placed first, where it appeared the three came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M. P. Walsh stated that it got a little bit tight but he never stopped riding and it did not cost him. S. W. Flanagan stated that there was very minor contact which turned his mount slightly. S. Ewing stated that he maintained his line and did not cause interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Koktail Brut (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

D.J Gilligan, rider of Koktail Brut (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount may have burst a blood vessel.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined En Or (FR), trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sainte Lucie (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr Alan Cody, Authorised Representative for Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Waterford Whispers, in relation to the reason offered for non running (going). Evidence was heard from Mr Alan Cody who stated that their charge is a big horse and they felt today's going was too quick for him. He further added that some of yesterday's runners were stiff when trotted up this morning but he had already departed with Waterford Whispers for the track. Having considered the evidence, including the fact that the official going description had remained consistent since declaration time, the Raceday Stewards found Henry De Bromhead was in breach of Rule 194 (iv) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards fined Henry De Bromhead €2000 (1% of the Advertised Value of the Race) on this occasion. Mrs M. Osborne recused herself from this enquiry.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed H.E. Sexton, rider of Kinturk Kalanisi, 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 whip regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that H. E. Sexton was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended H. E. Sexton for eight racedays.

J. Smith, rider of Search For Glory, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left in the straight.

H.E. Sexton, rider of Kinturk Kalanisi, trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered interference on the run to the line and he felt it cost him. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the incident and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

P. Townend, rider of Captain Cody, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he was not happy with the start of this race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the preliminaries of the start of this race. Evidence was heard from the IHRB Starter, Mr P. F. Graffin and P. Townend, rider of Captain Cody. P. F. Graffin stated that the riders initial approach was before time and he could not start the race. P. Townend stated that he obeyed the rules, did as he was instructed by the starter and was disadvantaged by doing so. Having viewed a recording of the start (and listened to the accompanying audio) and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards pursuant to the provisions of Rule 14 (ii) (b) referred the matter to a Senior Racing official for further investigation.

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

Mr T. Breen (Chairman),

Mr F. Cahill,

Mrs M. O'Connor,

Mrs M. Osborne,

Mr. L. Walsh.

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