Sligo 9th June 2026

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the starter and the start. Having considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards informed Paul John Gilligan, trainer of Carrigeen Kirkia, that a repeat performance from his charge, who refused to race at the first approach to the start, may render the animal liable to a suspension in the future.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Carrigeen Kirkia, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was unlucky at the start and jumped big.

Alan O'Sullivan, rider of Ellens Pride, trained by S. Curling, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.

P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Mo Chailin Mor, trained by Ian Patrick Donoghue, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount felt lame in the straight and pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Paul John Gilligan, trainer of Carrigeen Kirkia, who attended the start and led his charge without seeking permission from the Raceday Stewards and without wearing the relevant safety equipment. Paul John Gilligan stated that he was unaware that a form was required to be filled out and apologised for this error on his part. The Raceday Stewards found Paul John Gilligan to be in breach of Regulation 13 and having considered his clean record in this regards they cautioned him on this occasion.

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Edward Cawley, trainer of Commodity Broker for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification by an IHRB Official as per the provisions of Rule 90(i).

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Killowen House, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't travel early on.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning out of the back with a circuit to go involving Goldenkap (FR), ridden by L.A. McKenna, Crystabel, ridden by H.E. Sexton and Lilac Lady, ridden by A.M. King, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. H.E. Sexton stated that things became congested and he felt a bit of pressure from either side. L.A. McKenna stated that he kept a straight line and felt pressure from his inside. A.M. King stated that he was trying to hold his position on the rail when he felt pressure from his outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found A.M. King, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Sarah Kavanagh, rider of Commodity Broker and T.E. O'Connor, rider of Mc Swagger, who appeared to position themselves some distance behind the field as the starter was affecting the fair start. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Sarah Kavanagh stated that her mount is an extremely difficult ride who is very sensitive around its mouth and she was attempting to jump off last. T.E. O'Connor stated that his instructions were to jump off last as his mount is very difficult. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards accepted their explanation on this occasion but advised both riders to be closer to the field when the starter is starting the race.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Ross O'Sullivan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Let's Go La Fichad (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mr T. Harney the Authorised Representative for Ross O'Sullivan, stated that his charge got a lot of cover and settled well today which may have brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the content.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Glin Road Boy, ridden by T.J. Kelly, and trained by C.Byrnes. Evidence was heard from the rider and Authorised Representative of the trainer concerned. T.J. Kelly stated that his instructions were to get his mount to finish out his race in the best possible position. He further stated that his mount jumped off a bit keen, took a while to settle, was gurgling and making a noise throughout the race. He felt that at the back of the third last he put his mount into the race to finish in the best possible position, was satisfied he did all he could to ride his mount out to the line. When questioned as to why he did not pull up his mount in the circumstances given his report, T.J. Kelly stated that the animal was ok to continue. Mr Cathal Byrnes, Authorised Representative of C.Byrnes, confirmed the instructions given, said that the horse was fit, healthy and that he was perfectly happy with the ride up until the last hurdle, where he would have liked to have seen T.J. Kelly been a bit more forceful up to the line. He further stated that in his previous runs with a different trainer his charge had struggled to finish out his races and added that the horse does wear a cross noseband and make a noise at home and would explore wearing one in future races. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Glin Road Boy at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given by the trainers Authorised Representative. They were however satisfied that T.J. Kelly was in breach of Rule.212.A.(ii)(been the subject of a genuine attempt to obtain from the Horse timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place). Having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended T.J. Kelly for fourteen racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee. Furethermore the Raceday Stewards suspended Glin Road Boy for 60 days as a consequence of the riders actions in accordance with the provisions of Rule.212.C.(d).

T.J. Kelly, rider of Glin Road Boy, trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount gurgled in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of race four, concerning the riders approach and conduct to the starter. Having considered the matter the Raceday Stewards referred it on to a Senior Racing Official for consideration using their powers under Rule 14.ii.(b).

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident passing the stand on the first circuit involving Lissen To The Lady, ridden by Miss J. Walton, where it appeared the animal was struck into. 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 interviewed R.J. Condon, rider of Sarah's Express, trained by P.A.Fahy, concerning his conduct at the start. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount was wearing blinkers for the first time and refused to cooperate. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that R.J. Condon was in breach of Rule. 208.v.(b) and having taken his record into consideration (second offence) they suspended him for two racedays.

K.C. Sexton, rider of Clone Cross (GB), trained by Simon Cavanagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung off the track.

R.J. Condon, rider of Sarah's Express, trained by P.A.Fahy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tacograph, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race and maybe showing signs of being in season.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Treacys Ella trained by Declan Queally was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Circus Hill, ridden by Mr J. Dunne, placed second, Moyneard, ridden by Mr A.P. Ryan, placed third, Pets Georgina, ridden by Mr J.M. Halford, placed first, and Whizz Bizz, ridden by Miss A.L. Fitzgibbon, placed fourth, where it appeared that Whizz Bizz ran short of room and later when Circus Hill met with interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr J. Dunne stated that he felt he was clear and that there was no interference and kept his line in relation to the first incident. Miss A.L. Fitzgibbon stated that she thought there was plenty room but had to take a check when she felt pressure from the outside. Mr A.P. Ryan stated that he maintained he racing line. In relation to the second matter of interference Mr J. Dunne stated that he felt pressure from Pets Georgina who brought him across tight to the rail and bumped him on two occasions. Mr J.M. Halford stated that his mount was very keen, hung badly throughout and felt that he had made no contact. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence in relation to the first incident, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. In relation to the second incident the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that while Pets Georgina had caused interference to Circus Hill, she had not improved her finishing position and therefore made no alteration to the judge's placings. They were, however, of the opinion that Mr J.M. Halford, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Treacys Ella, trained by Declan Queally, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed where it appeared that Whizz Bizz, ridden by Miss A.L. Fitzgibbon, had to alter its course on the outside. 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. G. McCourt (Chairman),

Mr. Justice R. Groarke,

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.