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The Curragh 27/07/205 - The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) today confirms that its review into the circumstances arising during the running of the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on 28 June 2025 has now concluded.
Following that race, the Raceday Stewards conducted an enquiry under Rule 13(i) into the presence of a photographer who was positioned within five metres of the inside running rail approximately 140 yards from the winning post and who appeared to catch the eye of Whirl, ridden by Ryan Moore, possibly causing the horse to jink slightly.
Evidence was heard on the day from Mr Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the Curragh Racecourse, who indicated he was unaware of the photographer’s identity at the time but accepted that she should not have been in that location. The matter was referred, without prejudice, to the IHRB to allow the racecourse to conduct a full internal investigation.
As part of the IHRB’s review, the Chief Executive of the Curragh Racecourse provided a detailed and prompt response, confirming that the photographer in question was a freelance operator accredited in advance of the fixture but who had not adhered to issued guidelines regarding track access.
The Curragh Racecourse has acknowledged the seriousness of the breach of protocol, despite no impact on the outcome of the race, and has proactively proposed and committed to enhanced procedures to prevent any recurrence including a requirement for photographers to sign a form attesting that they have read and will comply with the guidelines and that a member of Curragh Racecourse staff will be positioned in the vicinity of the final two furlongs to ensure no repeat of this type of incident arises.
Having carefully considered all evidence and the Curragh Racecourse’s thorough and constructive engagement with the review process, the IHRB has determined that no further regulatory action is required in respect of these matters.