The Stewards fined the following trainer in respect of their non-runner:-

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Timoteo (FR) (Ground) - €200

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

B.J. Foley replaced B. Browne on Best Behavior, trained by Oliver McKiernan (Race 4)(Rider administration error)
D.F. O'Regan replaced P. Townend on Fan De Blues (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins (Race 5)(Injured).
B. Hayes replaced B. Browne on Lean Araig, trained by Oliver McKiernan (Race 7)(Rider administration error)

009B1 Follow Fairyhouse (Mares) M'dn H'dle

C.J. Orr, rider of X' Girl trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.

009B2 Follow Fairyhouse (Mares) M'dn H'dle

Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Merry Doyenne trained by Declan Queally, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount choked in running.

The Stewards requested a report from S.R.B. Crawford, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of La Chanteuse, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Down Royal on the 17th December. The trainer reported that this mare had been very consistent except for her most recent run. He explained that the mare was making a reappearance at Down Royal following a long layoff, blew up before the home turn and weakened from that point. In his opinion the changed tactics today whereby she made the running and the improved fitness helped about bringing about the return to her consistent form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Merry Doyenne, ridden by Mr D.L. Queally, and trained by Declan Queally. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Mr D.L. Queally, stated that his father had acquired this horse to train about six weeks ago. In training she was noted to be a big mare of a hot temperament and a poor feeder. The intention today was to jump off towards the rear of the field, let her tip away and to finish as well as she could. On a review of the video, the rider explained to the Stewards that he personally had not ridden for three months, had been dieting to do the weight and had only returned to riding out in the past two weeks. He added that his mount had begun to choke from the third last hurdle with it becoming more prominent in the straight but overall he was happy with the run. He concluded by stating that he had felt his lack of race riding fitness during the latter stages of this race. He confirmed to the Stewards that he was training this mare under his fathers licence. Glen Norris, Authorised representative for Declan Queally (Trainer), informed the Stewards that he transported the animal here today but was not made aware of any riding instructions. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Merry Doyenne was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer was in breach of Rule 147 (v) by failing to make the Authorised representative fully aware of the riding instructions. Consequently they were unable to complete this enquiry which was held under Rule 212 and therefore referred both matters to the Referrals Committee.

009D Dan & Joan Moore Memorial H'cap S'chase

The Stewards requested a report from Noel Meade, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Daly Tiger (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent run here on the 12th December when finishing 9th of 10 finishers beaten forty lengths by the winner and thirty four lengths behind the second placed Entoucas (FR) whom he beat today. Emma Connolly, Authorised representative for Noel Meade, reported that the trainer was very disappointed with the poor run the last day and no abnormalities were found on post race examinations at home. The only possible reason may suggest that S.W. Flanagan, the winning rider today, may have made up the horses mind from flagfall by making him keep up to his job under strong handling. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

009E Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beg. S'chase

Owing to structural damage, the Stewards granted permission for fence #10 to be omitted from this race

The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Aramax (GER), placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Tipperary on October 20th, when finishing last of 10 runners and was beaten by 87 lengths. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on his previous run and despite his best efforts, he could find no reason for that poor performance. He said his charge jumped much better today and felt the application of a tongue tie on this occasion may have helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

009F Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Nov S'ch

Owing to structural damage, the Stewards granted permission for fence #10 to be omitted from this race

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Bois De Clamart (FR) trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made several mistakes.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined King Alex (FR), trained by Barry Connell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

009G Racing January 30th (P-A) INH Flat Race

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, that Mr T. Feeney , rider of The Higher Road , presented himself to weigh out at 2 lbs overweight which had not been declared previously under Rule 198. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he was aware that he was 2 lbs overweight earlier this morning but despite his attempts to shed the weight, he was unable to do so. He accepted that it was an error of judgement on his part. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr T. Feeney was in breach of Rule 198(vii)(a) and they therefore fined him €150 on this occasion having taken his previous good record into consideration. The Stewards allowed Mr T. Feeney to ride The Higher Road.

The Stewards interviewed Mr D.N. O'Brien, rider of Some Legacy, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr D.N. O'Brien was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr D.N. O'Brien for 2 racedays.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

Ms. Justice Leonie Reynolds (Chairman),

Mr. Joseph M. McGrath,

Mr. P.D. Matthews.

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