The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at the second last hurdle involving Doctor Bravo (FR), ridden by D.N. Russell, placed first, and Bellaney Lord, ridden by D.A. Jacob, where it appeared that Bellaney Lord got unsighted at the hurdle where his rider was unseated. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, D.A. Jacob stated that Doctor Bravo (FR) moved in in front of his own mount and slightly blinded him. D.N. Russell stated that he felt that he was only just clear of Bellaney Lord but his own mount was going forwards, pricked his ears and went long at the second last hurdle. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that D.N. Russell was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended D.N. Russell for three racedays.

J.C. Gainford, rider of Unklipped, trained by Denis Leahy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount did not handle the ground in the back straight.

A representative of R. K. Watson, trainer of King Of Cashel, reported to the Clerk of Scales that their charge was lame post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at a course marker after the third last hurdle involving An Mhi, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed sixth, and The Gradual Slope, ridden by C.M. Quirke, placed first, where it appeared that An Mhi ran short of room at that point. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, D.N. Russell stated that he was riding on the inner when his mount got tight for room from pressure from his outside leaving him with nowhere to go when meeting a course marker. C.M. Quirke stated that he thought that he was gone by An Mhi but admitted that this was not the case at the course marker. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that C.M. Quirke was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended C.M. Quirke for one raceday.

D.N. Russell, rider of An Mhi, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered after the third last hurdle.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed C.M. Quirke, rider of The Gradual Slope, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, C. M. Quirke accepted that he was in breach of the whip rules. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that C. M. Quirke was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taking into consideration his previous record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended C. M. Quirke for one raceday.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from P.J. Rothwell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Karen's Gift, placed first, as compared with its recent run on heavy ground at Punchestown on the 15th January when finishing last of seven finishers beaten sixty nine lengths by the winner Birdie Blitz. David Nolan, representing P.J. Rothwell, reported that the drop back in trip and the better ground conditions today brought about the improved performance. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards fined P.J. Rothwell €130 for failing to nominate David Nolan as his Authorised Representative as required by Rule 147 (v).

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence number three to be omitted from this race.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Spancil Hill, trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second last fence and was pulled up.

P.T. Enright, rider of Kings Halo, trained by James Daniel Dullea, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel and pulled up.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kings Halo, trained by James Daniel Dullea, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at the nostrils post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bidentime, trained by Liam P Cusack, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed C.M. Quirke, rider of Angels Dawn, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, C.M. Quirke stated that his mount was hanging after the last fence and he tried to correct her. He apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that C.M. Quirke was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(i) by using his whip without allowing his mount at least three strides to respond. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended C.M. Quirke for three racedays.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of this race where Soldier Solid, ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson, refused to race. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that a fair start had been effected and no further action was warranted.

Mr J.L. Gleeson, rider of Soldier Solid, trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount refused to race when the race started.

The Raceday Stewards informed Patrick J.Flynn, trainer, through his representative, that a repeat of any unruly behaviour in the future from his charge Soldier Solid could render the animal liable to a suspension.

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

Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman),

Mr. Robert William Steele,

Mr. P.G. Stewart,

Mr. P. Deegan.

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