Naas 22nd February 2026

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kish Bank, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into whether the riders rode at a reasonable racing pace from the start of this race under Rule 211(d). B. Hayes stated that he was instructed to jump off last as his horse ran too keen last time. J.W. Kennedy stated that he was instructed to sit second or third as his mount is very green. S. O'Callaghan stated that he was instructed to jump off third or fourth and to follow J.W. Kennedy. P. Townend stated that he was instructed not to make it as this was his mount's first run over hurdles. D. Meyler stated that he was instructed to follow the others and he walked forward. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found all the riders in breach of Rule 211 (d)(reasonable racing pace) and having taken their respective clean records into account imposed a fine of €250 on each rider.

D. Meyler, rider of Michonne (GB), trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount drifted left after the last.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after the last hurdle involving Majolique (FR), ridden by P. Townend, and Michonne (GB), ridden by D. Meyler where it appeared Majolique got tightened up on the rails. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Townend stated that he quickened up into the gap. D. Meyler stated that his horse wandered around and he didn't hear Mr. Townend coming on his inner and once he got a bump he straightened up. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D. Meyler was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four race days.

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the turn into the straight involving Fierce Handay, ridden by M.P. Walsh, I A Connect, ridden by Caragh Monaghan, and Give Him A Chance, ridden by T. Power Roche, where it appeared I A Connect checked. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from P.J. Rothwell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Give Him A Chance, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that he ran him back too soon the last time and the step back in trip today may have accounted for the return to form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.

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

Mr. N.B. Wachman (Chairman)
Mr. P.N. Reynolds
Mr. J. Weld
Mr. N.C. McCarthy
Mr. C.J. Sweeney

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