Roscommon 29th September 2025

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

J.W. Kennedy, rider of First Ascent, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Hope She Flies, trained by Brian Francis Cawley, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the IHRB Handicapper Mr. S. Quinn who stated that this horse had run poorly on handicap debut at Cork on the 4th of August when finishing 14th of 18 runners beaten 37 lengths and that this run today had shown a significant improvement in form. Evidence was also heard from the trainers Authorised Representative Paul Cawley who stated that the change of tactics today which helped improve her jumping may have contributed to the improvement in form. Having considered the matter the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed K.C. Sexton, rider of Skyscraper (FR), placed 13th (never closer) and beaten 28 lengths concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount was staying on past horses and felt he wasn't out of contention. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that K.C. Sexton was in breach of R.10.3(b)(out of contention) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

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

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the Starters speaker system being on the track and what appeared to be a member of the Iris staff as the runners approached on the first circuit. Evidence was heard from Mr. Paul O'Meara, Unit Manager for Iris and Mr. Dermot Arnold who was in charge of the speaker system. Mr. Dermot Arnold stated that they started on the outside track and he assumed they were going to continue on the outside track instead of crossing to the hurdle track. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards reminded Iris through Mr. Paul O'Meara of there responsibilities to ensure a similar situation does not occur in future.

The Raceday Stewards held the result and enquired into the start of this race. Evidence was heard from S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Nazine who pulled up after the start, Ms A. Power, rider of Appian Way, D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Kilbrin Rocco, D. Meyler, rider of Mr Erwitt, C.M. Quirke, rider of Hard Target, and IHRB Starter, Mr. P.F. Graffin. Mr. P.F. Graffin stated that the riders were acting impatiently at the start and he had informed them that it was before time. He said that it was brought to his attention that Ms. A. Power, rider of Appian Way had kicked out so he instructed her to get to the outside. He added that a repeated failure of Ms A. Power to stay on the outside was a major contributing factor to the unrest at the start. Mr. P.F. Graffin also stated that S.F. O'Keefe was on a difficult horse and that as he was starting the race, his mount turned in the wrong direction. Evidence was heard from S.F. O'Keefe who expressed his annoyance at Ms. A. Power who's mount had tried to kick him and had repeatedly disrupted his position at the start. He further added that he done his best to get his mount to go forward. Evidence was heard from Ms A. Power who accepted that she had failed to comply with the Starters instructions and apologised for her actions. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that a fair start was effected and allowed the result to stand. They were satisfied that Ms A. Power was in breach of Rule 208(v)(b) in that she had repeatedly failed to comply with the Starters instructions. Having considered her clean record in this regard, they suspended her for three racedays. Furthermore, they were satisfied that S.F. O'Keeffe was in breach of Rule 208(iii)(c)(turned his mount in the wrong direction as the race started) and Rule 272 (iii)(verbal abuse towards an Official). Having considered his clean records in both these regards, they suspended him for two racedays regarding Rule 208(iii)(c) and fined him €250 regarding Rule 272.

Eoin Walsh, rider of Gortmore Lady, trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had a look at the third last wing.

S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Nazine, trained by Michael J. McDonagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount wasn't able to line up as he was constantly being impeded by Appian Way.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Birmingham Alabama, trained by E. D. Delany, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Betty Dutton, trained by Andrew Slattery, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a cut on its left hind groin.

P. Townend, rider of Nt Field Minnesota, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise.

P.T. Enright, rider of Betty Dutton, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount finished lame.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Nt Field Minnesota, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a cut on his left hind but was otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident early in the straight involving Onlyforfrankie, ridden by Mr E.M. Nugent, placed first, Rush Slowly, ridden by Mr S. Cavanagh, placed fourth, and Shadys Lady, ridden by Mr D.L. Queally, placed third, where it appeared Rush Slowly clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr S. Cavanagh stated that he clipped heels with the horse in front of him as he was squeezed from his outside. Mr D.L. Queally stated that he kept a straight line. Mr E.M. Nugent stated that he caused a bit of interference and accepted he was in breach. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr E.M. Nugent was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for three racedays.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. H. Hynes, that Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Shadys Lady, had weighed in at 1.1lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he helped saddle two horses and had a drink after weighing out. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr D.L. Queally was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his clean record, they cautioned him on this occasion.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr S. Cavanagh, rider of Rush Slowly, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr S. Cavanagh was in breach of R.10.3(h)(arm above shoulder height) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final two furlongs involving Minnatrix, ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, placed second, and Onlyforfrankie, ridden by Mr E.M. Nugent, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr J.H. Williamson stated that Onlyforfrankie was clear at the time and there wasn't much in it. However, on reviewing the video footage he accepted there may have been contact with Onlyforfrankie. Mr E.M. Nugent stated that he thought he was clear and didn't cause Mr J.H. Williamson to stop riding. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr E.M. Nugent was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays. When considering a penalty the Raceday Stewards did not take the riders earlier breach of Rule 214 into consideration.

Mr J.L. Gleeson, rider of Seventeen B, trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Seventeen B, trained by Peter Fahey, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting:
Mr. Michael Moloney(Chairman),
Mr. Raymond Mahon,
Mr. Niall Rooney,
Mr. L. Walsh.

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