Punchestown 28th April 2026

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Laughing John (GB), trained by Nicky Henderson (in GB), at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the home bend involving Powerful, ridden by S.D. Torrens, Matt Connor, ridden by K.M. Donoghue, Pat's Legacy, ridden by J. Smith, and Accustomed, ridden by H.E. Sexton, where it appeared Pat's Legacy ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. D. Torrens stated that when he hit the front his mount went to the rail and he pulled back out as soon as he heard a shout. K. M. Donoghue stated that he received pressure from his outside. J. Smith stated that he received pressure from his outside. H. E. Sexton stated that his race was run and he was going backwards when he received pressure from his outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found S. D. Torrens 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. D. Torrens for three racedays. Mr J. Collins recused himself from this enquiry.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Murcia (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs post race that she may be coming into season.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the back of the last hurdle involving I'm Slippy, ridden by P.T. Enright, and Messerschmitt, ridden by D. Meyler, where it appeared they came together on landing. 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 on the home bend involving Full Of Life (FR), ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, Khrisma (FR), ridden by H. Cobden, and I'm Slippy, ridden by P.T. Enright, where it appeared Full Of Life and Khrisma both ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. J. O'Keeffe stated that his race was run when it got a bit tight. H. Cobden stated that he received pressure from his outside when two horses went for the same gap. P. T. Enright stated that he went for the gap and was able to fill it. He added that the rail comes back out to meet them at that point and he felt he had not really been at fault. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found P. T. Enright 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 P. T. Enright for three racedays.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the home bend involving Blake (GB), ridden by D. Meyler, Koktail Brut (FR), ridden by D.J Gilligan, Le Labo, ridden by Mr J. L. Gleeson, and Skylight Hustle, ridden by Sam Ewing, where it appeared Le Labo ran short of room and clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. Meyler stated that his mount was slow at the second last. D. J. Gilligan stated that the horse in front of him jumped left and brought his mount with him and they were was just returning back to their racing line. Mr J. L. Gleeson stated that he received pressure from both sides and clipped a heel. Sam Ewing stated that he maintained his line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D. J. Gilligan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended D. J. Gilligan for four racedays.

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

P. Townend, rider of Kitzbuhel (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a mistake at the second last and lost its action.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident shortly after jumping off involving Casino Chip (GB), ridden by Mr J.W. Hendrick, Noble Indulgence, ridden by Mr D. McGill, and Strategic (FR), ridden by Mr D. Doyle, where it appeared Strategic and Noble Indulgence momentarily ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that the incident was caused by Casino Chip running very keenly and that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr B. Sheridan, IHRB Clerk of the Course, concerning the early arrival to post of the runners for this race. Evidence was heard from Mr Sheridan who stated that he had mistaken the time and added that it was human error and he apologised for any inconvenience caused. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Mr J.L. Gleeson, rider of Jerpoint Abbey (USA), trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr L. McFerran (Chairman), Mr J. Collins, Mr N. Chance, Mr F. G. Fitzsimons, Mr L. Walsh.

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