Listowel 30th May 2026

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Touch The Moon, trained by William Durkan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Pinkarizon trained by Padraig Butler was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Suresuresure, trained by John F. O'Neill, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount travelled on and off the bridle.

P.T. Enright, rider of Pinkarizon, trained by Padraig Butler, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

J.P. Shinnick, rider of Beechingstoke, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that the bit came through the mouth of his mount.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Suresuresure, ridden by J.G. Gilligan, and trained by John F. O'Neill. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. J.G. Gilligan stated that his instructions were to drop in and run a nice race to finish in the best possible position. He further added that his mount travelled on and off the bridle, ran green throughout, jumping big and bold over a few hurdles and that when he kicked him up into the bridle he ran past tired horses on the way home. John F. O’Neill confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with both the performance of horse and rider, further adding that this was his charges first time over hurdles and that his previous bumper form is poor. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the animal pulled a front right shoe in running but was otherwise found to be post race normal . Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations offered by both rider and trainer in relation to Rule 212, however they reminded J.G. Gilligan of his responsibility to be seen to make a more substantial effort in his riding in future.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.G. Whelan, rider of Withabitofluk (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted 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 found D.G. Whelan was in breach of R.10.3(g) (frequency) and in considering his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for six racedays.

The Raceday Stewards received a request from Adrian Sexton, trainer of Doyen OG and Sonny Fella (GB), who wished to substitute the injured rider C.M. Quirke for B.P. Kennedy. Evidence was heard from Adrian Sexton who stated that he wanted to switch the nominated rider B.P. Kennedy off his charge Doyen OG and onto his other runner in the race Sonny Fella. Furthermore, he added that Sonny Fella can be quirky, sometimes runs keen, leans right on occasions when wearing blinkers and as such did not want to put up a rider who did not know the horse. He then wanted to nominate T. Joseph Kelly to ride Doyen OG. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards denied the request on this occasion and subsequently allowed the nomination of T. Joseph Kelly to ride Sonny Fella (GB).

B.P. Kennedy, rider of Doyen Og, trained by Adrian Sexton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the faller at the third hurdle.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the start and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

A.P. Kelly, rider of Bop Wont Stop, trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung very badly right throughout.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Somersby Roost, trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

J. Smith, rider of Shesakindofmagic, trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the situation whereby sections of the third and fourth last hurdles on the final circuit had been removed and were satisfied that all finishers had completed the correct course.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed the IHRB Clerk of the Course Mr. P. Moloney, and the Track Foreman Mr. D. O'Connell, where sections of the fourth and third last hurdles were removed from the track on the final circuit. Evidence was heard from Mr. P. Moloney, who stated that prior to racing he had discussed the raceday protocol in relation to the removal of hurdles with the Track Foreman and that though there were some new ground staff working today, there would be an experienced member of staff stationed at each hurdle. Evidence was also heard from Mr. D. O'Connell, who stated that a racecard and radio was provided to each member of the ground staff and accepted it was a human error on behalf of his team and apologised for the matter. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards referred the entire matter onto a Senior Racing Official for further investigation. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards advised that hurdles should not be removed until there has been clear communication that hurdle racing is over.

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

Mr. C. O'Mahony (Chairman),

Mr. Justice. T. Hunt,

Mr. S. McDonogh,

Ms. L. Harney,

Mr. C.J. Sweeney.

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 two the IHRB Clerk of the Course changed the going to good to yielding.

Following the running of race four the IHRB Clerk of the Course changed the going to yielding.

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