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

C.J. Orr replaced L.P. Dempsey on Nell C, trained by Kevin Michael Smith (Race 4)(Unwell)
D.N. Russell replaced J.W. Kennedy on What An Ocean, trained by Gordon Elliott (Race 6)(Stood down)

254B Dale Farm Dromona (Mares) M'dn H'dle

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Game Beaaa trained by Paul Power, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second last hurdle.

254C Pilgrims H'cap H'dle

At the request of the Stewards, Rachael Blackmore, rider of Makfils (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount missed the first hurdle, was ridden with the pace but disappointed.

254D Walkers M'dn H'dle

The Stewards enquired into an incident on landing over the final hurdle involving Finnthemagician, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and Evenwood Sonofagun, ridden by D.E. Mullins where it appeared that both horses collided and Finnthemagician fell. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, D.E. Mullins stated that his mount had run around and looked at the second last hurdle before straightening up on the approach to the last hurdle which he missed and landed running to the left, colliding with Finnthemagician. J.W. Kennedy stated that his mount was inclined to lean left but straightened up on the approach to the last hurdle, got in deep to it, landed steep, got unbalanced and collided with Evenwood Sonofagun resulting in his fall. He added that the incident was accidental. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Evenwood Sonofagun trained by Richard John O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran around in front going to the second last hurdle.

254E Linden Foods H'dle

The Stewards enquired into possible interference on the approach to the second last hurdle involving Duffle Coat, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed third, and Home By The Lee, ridden by J.J. Slevin, ran out. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, J.J. Slevin stated that he attempted to go up the inner of Duffle Coat but did not have enough horse under him and ran out. D.N. Russell stated that he had raced on an inside position and on rounding the bend leading to the second last hurdle, his mount had kept straight to the hurdle and he never thought that any horse could be on his inner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action other than to advise both riders to ride with more awareness. .

254F Kerry Foods H'cap H'dle

The Stewards enquired into possible interference between the final two hurdles and on the run in involving Lily Light Foot, ridden by K.E Buckley, placed second, and Dicebox, ridden by J.C. Gainford, placed first, where it appeared there was interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, K.E. Buckley stated that Dicebox had jumped the third section of the second last hurdle, moved back to his right and the horses made contact which knocked his own mount out of rhythm. He added that his mount had led for a while after the final hurdle but Dicebox moved right making contact close to the line. J.C. Gainford stated that his mount had a good look crossing the road, went left, straightened to jump the second last hurdle and then went right not knowing that Lily Light Foot was on his inner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings. In relation to the interference on the run in, the Stewards advised K.E. Buckley to ride with more care. In relation to the interference between the final two hurdles, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.C. Gainford was in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.C. Gainford for one raceday.

The Stewards interviewed J.C. Gainford, rider of Dicebox, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, J.C. Gainford admitted both offences when reviewing the video evidence. He apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.C. Gainford was in breach of R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height and R10(3)(i) by using his whip and not allowing his mount at least three strides to respond. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.C. Gainford for three racedays.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman),

Mr. James Hunt,

Mr. Raymund S. Martin,

Mr. C.J. Sweeney.

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