Punchestown 1st May 2026

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

The Raceday Stewards granted a requested from Peter John Flood, trainer of Clonsast, for ten minutes extra to present his charge for identification by an IHRB official in accordance with Rule 90(i).

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Last Round, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

Mr J.M. Halford, rider of Last Round, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference just after the last fence involving Its On The Line, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, placed second, and Wonderwall, ridden by Mr R. James, placed first, where it appeared Wonderwall jumped right making contact with Its On The Line. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. D O'Connor said he received a slight bump but it was of no consequence. Mr. R. James said his mount jumped right but he corrected him immediately. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning into the straight involving Its On The Line, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, and Lets Go Champ, ridden by Miss S.A. Carter where it appeared Lets Go Champ ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. D O'Connor said he wasn't aware Lets Go Champ was still on his inner and his horse cornered the bend too well and leaned to the rail. He added his horse is a very difficult ride and he was doing his best at all times to ensure his horse was keeping straight and going forward. Miss S.A. Carter said it was obvious Its On The Line had came in on top of her but she was going backwards at the time. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied Mr. D. O'Connor was in breach of R214 (careless riding) and having considered this was his second offence, they suspended him for four racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr J.L. Gleeson, rider of Panda Boy, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who said he misjudged his use of the whip 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(i)(time to respond) and having considered his clean record, they suspended him for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr R. James, rider of Wonderwall, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who apologised for his overuse of the whip. 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 clean record, they suspended him for three racedays.

Mr S. Connor, rider of Now Where Or When, trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

P. Townend, rider of Spindleberry, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got outpaced in the middle part of the race before staying on well in the closing stages. He added the ground was possibly a factor.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riding of P. Townend on Lossiemouth in the home straight when passing Wilful ridden by Jonjo O'Neill Jr. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted on this occasion.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles two and three to be omitted from this race.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Withabitofluk (GB), trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Killultagh Fox trained by W.P. Mullins had blood at both nostrils post race.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. N. McGrath (Chairman), Mr. N.B. Wachman, Mr. C.P. Magnier, Ms. M. Cosgrave, Mr. L. Walsh.

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).

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