Punchestown 11th January 2026

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Brucejack, trained by P.A.Fahy, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have an overreach, lost its right fore shoe in running but was otherwise post race normal.

P.M. O'Brien, rider of Bajan Excell, trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got badly hampered at the first and never travelled thereafter.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Mighty Jeremy trained by Patrick T. Foley lost its left fore shoe in running.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed S. Markey, rider of Mastermind, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he had used his whip excessively and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied the rider was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record (third offence), they suspended him for eight racedays.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning into the straight involving Showurappreciation, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, Whateys Quest, ridden by Miss A.L. Fitzgibbon, and Harbour Highway, ridden by Mr Alan O'Sullivan where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. D. O'Connor said he had a gap in front of him and was in it when it closed but felt the incident was a result of general bunching. Mr. A. O'Sullivan said he got tight from both sides. Miss A.L. Fitzgibbon said she received pressure from her inside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. D. O'Connor in breach of Rule 214 (careless riding) and having considered his record (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.

Mr P.W. Gleeson, rider of Soloman Lane (GB), trained by Martin Hassett, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by the faller with a circuit to go.

Mr Alan O'Sullivan, rider of Harbour Highway, trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the third last.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Riskabahia (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Atlantic Gamble (GB), trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tired on the ground.

P. Townend, rider of Riskabahia (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend into the straight involving Powerful, ridden by S.D. Torrens, Theflyingbee, ridden by Mr J.R. Martin, San Hilario (FR), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, Jupiter Du Gite (FR), ridden by C.M. Quirke, Moylussa, ridden by P.K. Donovan, Moon Mission (GB), ridden by T. Power Roche, and Minority Interest, ridden by C.M Hogan where it appeared interference had occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S.D. Torrens said things got tight for him when he got into the gap. Mr. J.R. Martin said he got pressure from his outside causing him to clip a heel. J.W. Kennedy said his horse hung badly right after a horse appeared on his outside causing him to roll in slightly. P.K. Donovan said he didn't cause any interference. T. Power Roche said he only received minor interference. C.M. Quirke and C.M. Hogan both said they felt pressure from their outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards accepted that J.W. Kennedy had made a reasonable effort to correct his mount which was hanging and therefore took no further action.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of San Hilario (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung violently right throughout.

C.M. Quirke, rider of Jupiter Du Gite (FR), trained by T.Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received pressure from his outside on the bend into the straight.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. L. McFerran (Chairman), Mr. V. Connolly, Mr. A. Byrne, Mr. D. McCormack, Mr. L. Walsh.

After race three the IHRB Clerk of the Course changed the going to soft to heavy.

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