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

Mr R. James replaced M.P. O'Connor on Cobbler's Way, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Race 4)(Unwell)

026A Nathaniel Lacy Solicitors Novice H'dle

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Grand Jury (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

026C Ward Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice S'ch

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Riviere D'etel (FR) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount met with interference which he felt had cost him the race.

The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Riviere D'etel (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, J.W. Kennedy stated that his mount had lost her momentum when receiving interference after the last fence and was closing down on the winner when his last few hits exceeded the whip guidelines. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.W. Kennedy was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.W. Kennedy for four racedays.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference between the final fence and the winning post involving Blue Lord (FR), ridden by P. Townend, placed first, and Riviere D'etel (FR), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second, where it appeared that Blue Lord (FR) had crossed Riviere D'etel (FR) who in turn checked at that time. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, J.W. Kennedy stated that his mount had made a mistake at the final fence and was starting to pick up again when crossed by Blue Lord (FR), causing him to check and his mount to lose her momentum before rallying back to get beaten half a length. In his opinion the interference had cost his mount the winning of the race. P. Townend stated that he joined Riviere D'etel (FR) at the final fence after she had made a mistake, and his own mount on taking the lead was caught by a gust of wind for which the animal lost momentum. He added that he had reacted quickly by stopping riding before getting his mount going again. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Blue Lord (FR) had caused interference to Riviere D'etel, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action. .

026D Paddy Power I'd Love A Can H'cap H'dle

D.N. Russell, rider of Dallas Des Pictons (FR) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he noted his mount had a big knee post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dallas Des Pictons (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be have a bruised knee but was sound post race.

026E Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Asterion Forlonge (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards interviewed D.N. Russell, rider of Conflated, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, D.N. Russell stated that his mount was in front from the second last fence and missed the final fence. He added that he was keeping his mount going and did not realise at the time that he had exceeded the whip guidelines. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that D.N. Russell was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended D.N. Russell for two racedays. Justice Leonie Reynolds, Chairman of the Acting Stewards, absented herself from this enquiry and Mr Peter Reynolds acted as the Chairman.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

Justice Leonie Reynolds (Chairman),

Mr. Peter Reynolds,

Mr. Julian Gaisford-St Lawrence,

Mrs. T.K. Cooper,

Mr. P.D. Matthews.

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