Sligo 12th July 2026

The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of their non-runner:-

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

A. Balfe, rider of Megaball, trained by Francis Casey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran too keen and stopped quickly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Boo Radley, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of delayed recovery post race.

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

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the Starter. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

C.P. Millar, rider of Tommy Go Maith, trained by Thomas Patrick McGettigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake and pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident involving Kenisa Sport (FR), ridden by Joshua Halford, and Keilah, ridden by P.T. Enright, where it appeared Keilah briefly ran short of room on the bend approaching the second last hurdle. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

M.P. O'Connor, rider of Tell Us This, trained by Andrew McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room passing the stands on the second circuit.

T.E. O'Connor, rider of Phoenix Arizona, trained by John J Cullen, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right on the bend passing the stands on the second circuit.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend passing the stands on the second circuit involving Tell Us This, ridden by M.P. O'Connor, and Phoenix Arizona, ridden by T.E. O'Connor, where it appeared Tell Us This ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M.P. O'Connor stated that he didn't have the horse to fill the gap and Phoenix Arizona leaned in on him. T.E. O'Connor stated that his mount changed legs and hung right despite his best efforts. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found T.E. O'Connor 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 two racedays.

Owing to operation reasons, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdle number three to be omitted from this race.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Josh Williamson, rider of Annarubyrose, 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 Josh Williamson was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the Starter. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

D.J Gilligan, rider of Go To Town, trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was awkward under pressure.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J Gilligan, rider of Go To Town, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that one of the strikes was for corrective purposes. The Raceday Stewards also received photographic evidence from the IHRB Veterinary Officer. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.J. Gilligan was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and R.10.3(f)(force). Having considered his record regarding R.10.3(g)(third offence), they suspended him for eight racedays and having considered his record regarding R.10.3(f)(second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Evans Secret (GB), trained by Mark Michael McNiff, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Le Grand Vert (FR), trained by Noel C. Kelly, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the home straight involving Circus Hill, ridden by Mr D. McGill, placed first and Clovelly Charm, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr H.C. Swan stated that his mount received constant bumps across the track and that this interference cost him the winning of the race. Mr D. McGill stated that when his mount felt pressure from Clovelly Charm, both horses leaned in on each other. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Circus Hill had caused interference to Clovelly Charm and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position.

As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the Placed Horses and amended the result to read as follows:

Amended Result:
First: Clovelly Charm
Second: Circus Hill
Third: Carleys Lilly
Fourth: Moyneard
Fifth: Mila Ballerina
Sixth: Churchfield Annie

Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Mr D. McGill 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 Victor Connolly recused himself from this enquiry.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend passing the stands on the first circuit involving Allez Yeats, ridden by Mr J.P. Collins, and Clovelly Charm, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr H.C. Swan stated that he was interfered with rounding the bend but through no fault of Mr J.P. Collins. Mr J.P. Collins stated that his mount had a look at the stableyard and he did hid best to straighten her. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, 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. George McCourt (Chairman),
Mr. F.G. Fitzsimons,
Mr. Colin Hall-Thompson,
Mr. Victor Connolly,
Mr. L. Aspell.

For this race 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.