Punchestown 18th February 2026

The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of their non-runner:-

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

E. Staples, rider of Ballyhasty, trained by W.J.Austin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very green.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the winning line where Doctor Elvis (FR), ridden by D.J Gilligan, appeared to run short of room. 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 enquired into an incident after the second last hurdle involving Boedic (FR), ridden by P. Townend, and Newbrook Diamond, ridden by J.W. Kennedy where it appeared Newbrook Diamond was hampered. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.W. Kennedy stated that his horse hung left the whole way and there was room on his inner. At the turn his horse hung out so much that he thought he would drift onto the heels of Boedic and that the incident was his own horse's doing. P. Townend stated that the incident took place behind him and he rode his line round the bend. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Newbrook Diamond, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Baby Kate, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a small wound to the inside of its left fore knee but was otherwise post race normal.

P.T. Enright, rider of Millie B, trained by Miss Elizabeth Anne Lalor, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount gurgled from three out.

A.S. Murphy, rider of Walkmethroughit, trained by J.Motherway, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount made a respiratory noise from two out.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from M.A.Cahill, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Rebel Cowgirl, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that the drop back in trip may have accounted for the apparent improvement in 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:

Ms. M. Osborne (Chair)
Mr. A. Byrne
Mr. S. Barry
Mr. J. Collins
Mr. C.J. Sweeney.

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