Punchestown 29th April 2026

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the back of the last hurdle involving Radiator Springs, ridden by P.M. O'Brien, and Falcon Eight, ridden by H.J. Horgan, where it appeared Falcon Eight clipped a heel and H. J. Horgan was unseated. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

P. Cleary, rider of Miss Manzor (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his stirrup snapped and he pulled up.

P. Hanlon, rider of Minella Supreme, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

C.P. Millar, rider of Katie Daniels, trained by Cian Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders conduct prior to the start of this race involving Aguellid (FR), ridden by A.P. Kelly, Miss Manzor (GB), ridden by P. Cleary, Straight John (FR), ridden by Josh Williamson, Long Branch, ridden by S. Cleary-Farrell, Radiator Springs, ridden by P.M. O'Brien, Thanksforthehelp (FR), ridden by Rian Corcoran, Toll Stone, ridden by Elizabeth Gale, Minella Supreme, ridden by P. Hanlon, Cloonainra, ridden by D.A Kidd, Kamino Bello (FR), ridden by E. Staples, Jolie Jewel (FR), ridden by C.M Hogan, Minella Post (GB), ridden by J. Smith, Ryan's Son, ridden by C.G. O'Dwyer, Falcon Eight, ridden by H.J. Horgan, Garrybello (FR), ridden by L.A. McKenna, Kalanisi Flash, ridden by S.J. Fitzsimons, Katie Daniels, ridden by C.P. Millar, Claude, ridden by P.T. Smithers, Sopelana (GB), ridden by Kevin Healy, Better Times, ridden by Michael Kenneally, Aurea Fortuna, ridden by H.E. Sexton, Jacovec Cavern (GB), ridden by R.J. Condon, Mi Lucky Cailin, ridden by Caragh Monaghan, and El Champo, ridden by S. O'Callaghan. All riders were afforded the opportunity to give evidence. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

H.J. Horgan, rider of Falcon Eight, trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount caught a heel after the last hurdle.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Paul Hennessy, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Jacovec Cavern (GB), placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Paul Hennessy stated that his charge is an inconsistent horse who returned to form on todays better ground. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the report given.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Vitorio Piel (FR), ridden by D. Meyler, and Raise You Up, ridden by D.J Gilligan, where it appeared Raise You Up crossed Vitorio Piel, causing him to switch out. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. Meyler stated that his race was run and the other horse was clear when he crossed him. D. J. Gilligan stated that he was clear when he went to the rail. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

S.W. Flanagan, rider of L' Evangeliste (FR), trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined L' Evangeliste (FR), trained by E. McNamara, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on its left fore post race.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, C.M. Quirke, rider of Tinto De Verano, trained by Yvonne Latta, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount races very awkwardly off the bridle and stayed on well after the last hurdle.

P. Townend, rider of Soir De Garde (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped badly.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Mister Pessimistic, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made an abnormal noise in running.

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Mister Pessimistic, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Mister Pessimistic, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after the third last hurdle involving Doctor Steinberg, ridden by P. Townend, and Spinningayarn, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, where it appeared Doctor Steinberg ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Townend stated that he received minor pressure from his outside. J. W. Kennedy stated that the horse in front had jumped left and he received pressure from his outside forcing him in. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J. W. Kennedy had slightly tightened up P. Townend unnecessarily but they gave him the benefit of the doubt on this occasion and took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr J. M. Halford, rider of With Nolimit (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 Mr J. M. Halford was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr J. M. Halford for eight racedays.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined King Alexander, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of heat stress post race.

Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of Latosca Du Houx (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung violently left.

Mr P.W. Gleeson, rider of Sapphire Jewel, trained by Colin Motherway, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stumbled independently going down the hill. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the closing stages of this race where it appeared Latosca Du Houx had hung off the track and gone the wrong side of a wing. Having viewed the recording and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards confirmed the IHRB Judge's decision not to place Latosca Du Houx, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation nine, and they therefore took no further action

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr Justice F. Clarke (Chairman), Mr M. C. Hickey, Mr M. P. O'Donnell, Mr W. Flood, Mr L. Walsh.

For this 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.