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

D. J. O'Keeffe rode Something Abouther (reserve), trained by Padraig Roche (Race 1)
C. J. Orr rode Colman's Courage (reserve), trained by A.J. McNamara (Race 1)
N. P. Madden rode Light Brigade (reserve), trained by C.Byrnes (Race 1)

378A David Fitzgerald - Take It Easee Mdn Hdl

Following a request from broadcasters, the Stewards granted permission for the following delays: Race 1 + 2 minutes

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. P. L. Malone, that Mr. T.J. Love, rider of Justbecool, had presented himself to weigh out at two pounds overweight, which was not declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the overweight on this occasion but were satisfied that Mr. T. J. Love was in breach of Rule 195 (i) and rule 198 (vii) and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards fined Mr. T. J. Love €150 on this occasion.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdle number three (the third last) to be omitted from this race.

J.M. Moore, rider of Five Helmets trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise turning in.

At the request of the Stewards, M. Hamill, rider of Magnor Glory, trained by Terence O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount raced too keenly in a slowly run race and did not handle todays going.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Magnor Glory, trained by Terence O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

378B Goggin Buckley Veterans H'cap S'chase

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence number three (the third last) to be omitted from races two and three.

J.M. Moore, rider of Jurby (GB) trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

378C Earl of Harrington Mem.M'dn Hunters S'ch

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fanamix (FR), trained by Denis Paul Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Mr J.J. Codd, rider of Fanamix (FR) trained by Denis Paul Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle todays going.

378E Roches Feeds (Mares) M'dn H'dle

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

P. Townend, rider of Pont Aval (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise after a circuit and was pulled up having then made a bad mistake.

C.J. Orr, rider of Find It Now trained by Barry T. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

378G Mr Binman Christmas Racing INH Flat Race

The Stewards interviewed Mr P. Byrnes, rider of Blazing Khal, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found Mr. P. Byrnes in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard the Stewards cautioned Mr. P. Byrnes on this occasion.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

Mr. Peter Allen (Chairman),

Mr. Donal Gavin,

Mr. John O'Shaughnessy,

Mr. M. F. O'Donoghue.

Prior to the running of the first race the Stewards received a request from the Irish Stable Staff Association to convene a hearing to discuss the failure of the racecourse to provide any hot food for stable staff. Bernard Caldwell CEO Irish Stable Staff Association stated that it was disappointing that there was no hot food to be purchased at the racecourse today and requested that in the future that Limerick Racecourse provide proper reasonably priced hot meals for stable staff in view of the long hours worked and the distances travelled to bring horses to this venue. He stated that the HRI had written to all racecourses in relation to hot food being available on raceday for all stable staff. A nominated member of stable staff also attended this meeting and confirmed the comments of Bernard Caldwell while advising that almost all racecourses had complied with the staffs basic requests in relation to hot food being made available. Patrick O'Callaghan, Limerick Racecourse Manager was also present at this meeting. In response he accepted most of the points raised by the ISSA but emphasised that reduction of funding to racecourses and the extra cost of supplying a catering facility to comply with the stable staff recommendations rendered it impractical to supply any hot food facility. Having considered the positions of all parties, the Stewards stated that they were not in a position to make any recommendations on the matters raised and therefore referred the entire matter to the IHRB for that body to liaise with the IHRB Licensing Committee and the HRI to reach a solution acceptable to the ISSA.

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