Punchestown 6th June 2026

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

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Magico, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a small graze on his right fore cannon bone but to be otherwise post race normal.

Anna McGuinness, rider of Magico, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount made a bad mistake in the back straight.

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from John Patrick Ryan, trainer of Gaelic Arc, for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification by an IHRB Official as provided for under the provisions of Rule 90(i).

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Justabitofyours, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost her action. The IHRB Veterinary Officer examined Justabitofyours at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on her right fore post race.

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

K.C. Sexton, rider of The Weighbridge, trained by Simon Cavanagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost its action. The IHRB Veterinary Officer examined The Weighbridge at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

M.P. O'Connor, rider of Superficial (FR), trained by Andrew McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran free and hung left throughout.

E.M. O'Sullivan, rider of Bethpage Theatre, trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped green and hung left.

Anna McGuinness, rider of Easter Bonnet (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount ran keen early on.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Inver Bay, ridden by P.T. Smithers, and trained by Aidan Anthony Howard. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P.T. Smithers, stated that his instructions were to hold her up and take his time. He further added that the race was run at a good gallop and the race fell apart. Aidan Anthony Howard confirmed the instructions and feels the mare needs to be ridden this way to help her get home. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Inver Bay had a soft skin swelling approx 5cm in diameter along the deep digital flexor tendon area but was otherwise post race normal. Further, while being sampled the mare was showing signs of being in season. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations given.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed T.M. Walsh, trainer, in relation to his attendance at the start of this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that he had received permission from IHRB Clerk of the Course, Mr. Brendan Sheridan. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Cian Cullinan, rider of Alaskan View, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Cian Cullinan accepted 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 found Cian Cullinan in breach of R. 10.3 (b)(out of contention) and in considering his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays. Mr. C.J. O'Reilly recused himself from this enquiry.

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

Anna McGuinness, rider of Livio (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount weakened from the last hurdle.

K.E Buckley, rider of Cool As A Cat, trained by Tom Dreaper, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a noise three furlongs out.

J. Smith, rider of Siofra Beag, trained by M.M. Rice, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed incidents where it appeared both An Bhoireann, ridden by Mr R.M. Staunton, Woodie Wiley , ridden by D.G. Whelan, appeared to clip heels. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered both incidents, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Mr J.L. Gleeson, rider of Dieux Diligence, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very green.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Returning Officer (FR), ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, Woodie Wiley, ridden by D.G. Whelan, and Dieux Diligence, ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson where it appeared Woodie Wiley clipped a heel and fell. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. J.L. Gleeson stated that his mount was green at times but felt he had maintained his line at that point. Mr. H.C. Swan stated that he maintained his line and was unaware of the incident. D.G. Whelan stated that his mount was running keen at times and that he clipped a heel and fell. 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 but advised D.G. Whelan to ride with more awareness in future.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J. Smith, rider of Wendrock (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, concerning the fact he continued on his mount when it appeared he had no more to give through fatigue. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. J. Smith stated that his mount can be a difficult ride and when becoming detached from the leaders and tried to pull himself up. The IHRB Veterinary Officer examined Wendrok (FR) at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of delayed recovery post race. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J. Smith in breach of R.216 (ii)(d) and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

G. Brouder, rider of Mister Frostie, trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:

Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman),
Ms. Justice Leonie Reynolds,
Mr. A. Byrne,
Mr. C.J. O'Reilly,
Mr. H. Hynes.

Prior to the running of race three the Official Going was changed to Good to Yielding.

Prior to the race meeting the IHRB Clerk of the Course Mr. Brendan Sheridan altered the distances of races three and four to three miles and one hundred and ninety yards due to operational reasons.

For this race meeting, the Raceday Stewards suspended the 'starting procedure 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.