Punchestown 30th April 2026

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

P. Townend, rider of Leader D'allier (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident turning into the home straight involving Colcannon, ridden by D. Meyler, Ionian, ridden by N. de Boinville, Beauvallon, ridden by D.E. Mullins, and Immediate Effect (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, where it appeared there was contact several times. 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 approximately three furlongs out involving Fort Dino (FR), ridden by M.P. O'Connor, Gameball, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, and Beauvallon, ridden by D.E. Mullins, where it appeared Fort Dino ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M. P. O'Connor stated that he ran short of room. D. J. O'Keeffe stated that he maintained his line. D. E. Mullins stated that he received intimidation from his inside, taking him off his line and he was only returning back to his racing line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D. E. Mullins 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 D. E. Mullins for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards received a request from Ian Patrick Donoghue, trainer of Shannon Royale, to substitute the nominated rider C. Stone-Walsh, with K. M. Donoghue, due to his intended mount being a non runner. Having consulted with the nominated rider and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards allowed the request on this occasion.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the fourth last hurdle involving Da Capo Glory, ridden by Michael Kenneally, Icare Desbois, ridden by C. Quirke, and Ballykinlar, ridden by Shane Fenelon, where it appeared Da Capo Glory clipped a heel and Michael Kenneally was unseated. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Michael Kenneally stated that he received pressure from his outside and he clipped a heel. Shane Fenelon stated that he didn't move in. C. Quirke stated that he did not contribute to the incident. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Shane Fenelon 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 Shane Fenelon for seven racedays.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the home bend involving Onewaywest, ridden by Ben Jones, Ballybow, ridden by D.J Gilligan, Ballystone, ridden by A. Harvey, Blue Mosque, ridden by D. Meyler, Fad Eadrainn, ridden by S. D. Torrens, Seaniecon, ridden by Jonjo O'Neill Jr, and Sign From Above, ridden by Sam Ewing, where it appeared several horses ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Ben Jones stated that he had no where to go and had to take back. D. J. Gilligan stated that his race was run and he was retreating. A. Harvey stated that he held his line. D. Meyler stated that the horse that had been handy were coming back and things got a bit tight. S. D. Torrens stated that he suffered no interference. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. stated that he received pressure from both sides. Sam Ewing stated that he was on the rail throughout and received pressure from his outside. 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 Relieved Of Duties, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Honesty Policy, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the run down the hill away from the stands involving Outofafrika, ridden by Mr D.G. Lavery, and Soul Asylum, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, where it appeared Soul Asylum caught a heel. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr C. Cunningham, Mr V. Connolly, Mr P. Caffrey, 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.