Limerick 16th April 2026

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident shortly after the first hurdle involving Barryroe Madam (FR), ridden by J.P. Shinnick, and Comanche Moon, ridden by P. Byrnes, where it appeared these horses bumped. 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 Houndsworth, trained by Mark Michael McNiff, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be Report.

The Raceday Stewards noted that, Uptaurintop, ridden by Jack Kennedy finished with only one sheepskin cheekpiece, the other one having been lost in the early stages. Satisfied that the horse started with the correct head gear the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Houndsworth, trained by Mark Michael McNiff, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a superficial wound to its left right hind leg and its right hind shoe to be loose but was otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Diarmuid P. Ryan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Cooltubrid Eva, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that the reapplication of blinkers today possibly brought around the improved form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.

K.E Buckley, rider of Diamond Island, trained by E.Buckley, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he was unhappy with the start.

C.M. Quirke, rider of Rebel Cowgirl, trained by M.A.Cahill, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he was unhappy with the start.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the start of this race. Evidence was heard from IHRB Starter, Mr. P. Moloney, and riders Cian Quirke, John Aherne and Kieran Buckley. Mr. Moloney stated he was keeping them all under control, they were coming forward and he effected a fair start. Mr. Buckley stated he was upsides and as he came forward the flag is up, the flag was still up when Mr. Aherne was galloping and he got detached and lost all chance. Mr. Quirke stated that he was three off the rail, calm and collected and was waiting for the flag to drop and he never got involved. Mr. Aherne stated that his horse was buzzy, the flag went up and he gave his mount a squeeze. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards allowed the result to stand. The Raceday Stewards did however find John Aherne in breach of Rule 208 by putting his horse into a canter with a view to taking an advantage and having considered his record in this regard suspended him for two race days. The Raceday Stewards also referred the actions of the IHRB Starter to a Senior Racing Official.

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

Mr. John O'Shaughnessy (Chairman)
Mr. John Martin-Smith
Ms. Frankie Ward
Mr. P. Deegan.

Following the running of race two the going changed to Soft to Heavy, Heavy in places.

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).

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