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

N.M. Crosse rode All Class (FR) (reserve) , trained by David Peter Dunne (Race 7)
N.G. McCullagh rode Charlie Bit Me (reserve) , trained by Peter Fahey (Race 8)
James J. Doyle rode Marvel Fan (FR) (reserve) , trained by A.J.Martin (Race 8).

058A Irish Stallion Farms EBF M'dn

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Only Jack, ridden by L.F. Roche, and trained by A. Kinsella. Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned. A. Kinsella, stated that he acquired his charge from another trainer with a hairline fracture to his right hind leg and was also found to be a rig. As a consequence he wanted his charge to run sweet without being bullied and the rider was instructed to jump out of stalls, allow his mount to race wherever he felt comfortable and to do his best. He added that having only two horses in training and without any galloping done on grass, he was unable to assess the animals fitness level but felt that he was as fit as possible . L.F. Roche, confirmed the riding instructions and during a review of the video of the race he stated that his mount was happy throughout the race but gave a heave in the dip and from thereon he kept a hold of his head and nursed him to the line. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Only Jack was blowing hard post race. Having viewed the recording of the race, considered the evidence and the report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer, the Stewards noted the explanations.

058C1 Navan Members H'cap

The Stewards interviewed N.M. Crosse, rider of All Class (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence he accepted that he had breached the whip Regulations and offered no defence. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that N.M. Crosse was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his clean recent record into consideration, the Stewards suspended N.M. Crosse for 1 raceday.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of All Class (FR), trained by David Peter Dunne, placed first, compared with its previous form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his uncle, Paul Dunne, had acquired this filly about last November from her previous trainer. At that time her racing form had been abysmal . She was very difficult to handle and having previously competed mostly in National Hunt races she took a heavy fall in Tramore when travelling well. The fall appeared to make her very nervous and he decided to revert back to flat races to get her to regain her confidence. In his opinion she improved with each run. He outlined that his yard had been out of form since last November with aspergillus and consequently he changed the bedding and fodder amongst other things. In his opinion his horses were not sick with the aspergillus but at the same time they were not running well. He admitted that he ran some horses while not at their best but was under pressure from owners to do so. When questioned on the very strong market support today for his charge which had never previously been placed, he admitted that he got a number of calls this morning as is normal when he has runners and he informed all callers that his charge was back to form and going well. He also referred to her previous run at Dundalk where she was the subject of a running and riding enquiry which had been instigated by market moves in the betting. Having considered the evidence the Stewards under the provisions of Rule 14(ii)(b) referred the matter to the CEO of the IHRB for further investigation.

058C2 Navan Members H'cap

The Stewards enquired into an incident soon after the turn into the straight involving Lusis Naturea (GB), ridden by J.M. Sheridan, placed sixth, Room To Roam, ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, placed second and Custers Mistake, ridden by G.P. Halpin, placed third, where it appeared that both Lusis Naturea (GB) and Room To Room received interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.M. Sheridan stated that he was riding wide when he got tight for room. Siobhan Rutledge stated that she was riding widest of all and in line with the outside rail when receiving a bump from her inner which unbalanced her mount. G.P. Halpin stated that in his opinion his mount was leaning against Naturea (GB) and he did not feel that he caused any interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by G.P. Halpin riding carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended G.P. Halpin for 2 racedays.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Strange Notions, trained by Charles O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

058E Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auct Mdn

S. Foley, rider of Hell Bent trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount cut out quickly in the straight.

T.P. Madden, rider of Xeres (GB) trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got upset in the starting stalls.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Eternal Presence trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien was lame post race.

058G Racing Again Sunday 25th April (C&G) Mdn

The Stewards fined Joseph G. Murphy, trainer, €130 for failing to notify the Registry Office or RAS immediately that Tall Story had been gelded since his last run.

L.T. McAteer, rider of Meister Bodie trained by Mervyn Torrens, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got wound up before the start of the race and did not handle the ground during the race.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Following a request from broadcasters, the Stewards granted permission for the following delays:

Race 1: +2 minutes

Race 2: +3 minutes

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

Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman),

Mr. Peter Reynolds,

Mr. Peter Law,

Mr. P.D. Matthews.

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