Punchestown 15th October 2025

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Premier Banner, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed that the horse had blood at the left nostril. .

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vitorio Piel (FR), trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have its right hind heel struck into and be otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Pavilion End (GB), ridden by G. Brouder, and trained by Charles O'Brien. Evidence was heard from the rider and from Gerard Abbott, Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned. G. Brouder said his instructions were to drop his horse in, get him jumping and settled, and then work his way though the race. He added the race went ok although he felt he was further back than he would have liked as his horse was running keen. Furthermore, he said he only passed tired horse coming home. Gerard Abbott confirmed the instructions given adding that he had spoken to the trainer who expressed his satisfaction with both the ride and the horses performance, although he felt the rider may have over done the "dropping in" part of the instructions. He further added that the animal can be difficult to ride and wears a hood for this reason. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that the Pavillion End was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that both G. Brouder and Charles O'Brien were in breach of R212(A)(ii)(timely, real and substantial effort). As a consequence, they suspended G. Brouder for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee and fined Charles O'Brien, trainer €3000 through his Authorised Representative. Furthermore, they suspended Pavilion End from running for 60 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212(c)(d). Chairman of the Raceday Stewards Mr. R. Ryan recused himself from this enquiry and Mr. J. Rearden acted as Chairman.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of The Guinness Boys, ridden by K.M. Donoghue, and trained by Gavin Cromwell. Evidence was heard from the rider and from Justin McGovern, Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned. K.M. Donoghue said his instructions were to jump off mid division and try and ride the horse to come home well. He outlined the horse's only previous run at Listowel which was very disappointing having been beaten by 123 lengths and how disappointed they were with the run. As a result of that, today he rode him conscious of the fact the he didn't finish out his race the last day so held onto him as much as he could while trying to stay in touch with the leaders. Summarising he said he was very happy with the run and felt he had given him a very good ride to get the animal to finish strongly. Justin McGovern confirmed the instructions given adding that he was happy with both the performance and the ride. When asked if Gavin Cromwell was satisfied, Mr McGovern said the trainer was on a flight and uncontactable, but given the performance of jockey and horse he couldn't see how he wouldn't be happy. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that The Guinness Boys was lame on its right hind, lost its left hind shoe, had a skin wound on its distal tendon area of its left hind and had a mild swelling on the point of its left hind hock. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations given.

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from John Patrick Ryan, trainer of Flidais and Andyourbirdcansing, for an extra 10 minutes to present his horses for identification to an IHRB official in accordance with Rule 90(i).

Michael Kenneally, rider of Flidais, trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount pulled up injured.

D.J. Gilligan, rider of Burvea, trained by D.Broad, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost its action and pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of A Law Of Her Own, trained by Peter Fahey, placed first, compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that the drop in trip, drop in grade and a change of tactics by dropping it in to get cover accounted for the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the matter the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Michael Kenneally, rider of Flidais, trained by John Patrick Ryan, concerning his failure to pull up his mount when injured as required under Rule 216. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he only realised the horse was injured after landing over the third last hurdle at which point he immediately pulled up, however he accepted that upon viewing the video evidence the horse appeared to lose its action on the bend before the hurdle. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied the rider was in breach of Rule 216(ii) and having considered his clean record, they suspended him for five racedays. In arriving at their decision the Raceday Stewards accepted the rider wasn't aware of his mount being injured but they felt he ought to have known.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the closing stages involving Linden Arden, ridden by B. Hayes, placed First, and Avalo, ridden by Sam Ewing, placed Second, where it appeared Linden Arden drifted into the path of Avalo. 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 Takiwatanga, trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have lost a left hind shoe but otherwise to be post race normal.

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

Mr. R. Ryan (Chairman),
Mr. J. Rearden,
Mr. J. Murphy,
Mr. P. Curling,
Mr. L. Walsh.

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