Punchestown 15th February 2026

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr F. Maguire, rider of My Immortal, 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 Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr F. Maguire was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr F. Maguire for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Barry Connell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of My Immortal, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Barry Connell stated that the return to deep ground had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the turn for home involving Patter Merchant, ridden by Josh Williamson, unplaced, and Built By Ballymore, ridden by R.A. Doyle, placed third, where it appeared there was contact between the two. 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 Lucky Lyreen, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have grazes to the caudal left hind above the fetlock and also to the right fore coronet but to be otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards received a request from S.R.B. Crawford, trainer of Jony R, to substitute the nominated rider D.J. O'Keeffe, with J. J. Slevin, due to J. J. Slevin's intended mount becoming a non runner. Evidence was heard from Ben Crawford, Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned who stated that Mr Slevin rides most of their horses and has ridden this horse previously. He added that his charge is a tricky individual and Mr Slevin knows him best. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards denied the request on this occasion under the provisions of Regulation 3.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Lazare De Star (FR), 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 regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J. W. Kennedy was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended J. W. Kennedy for two racedays.

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number four to be omitted from this race

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Dani Donadoni, ridden by P. Townend, placed second, and Ksar Fatal (FR), ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed first (by 2.25 lengths), where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Townend stated that he was closing all the time and was half a length down when he suffered bad interference which completely stopped him. He added that it cost him a couple of lengths and had prevented him from winning. S. W. Flanagan stated that when he hit his mount it veered left but he corrected it immediately and won cozily. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Ksar Fatal had caused interference to Dani Donadoni he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. However, they were of the opinion that S. W. Flanagan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended S. W. Flanagan for two race days.

P. Townend, rider of Dani Donadoni, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his run was stopped at the back of the last.

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

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number four to be omitted from this race.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Chase The Moon, ridden by T. Power Roche, placed first, and Roc My Haarth, ridden by L. Quinlan, placed second, where it appeared Chase The Moon crossed Roc My Haarth. 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 Nettuno Italia, trained by Ross O'Sullivan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sean Mc, trained by Paul Nolan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

T. Power Roche, rider of Chase The Moon, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left from the second last.

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

C.M Hogan, rider of West Of Bally, trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and took a false step and stumbled approximately five furlongs out.

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

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

Mr L. McFerran (Chairman),

Mr Justice T. Hunt,

Mr J. Rearden,

Mr J. Gaisford-St. Lawrence,

Mr L. Walsh.

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