See also » The-Dasher-Conway-wins-Tipperarys-opener
it has been a while since his last run, he has been improving all the time and it was good to get in today. He is a fabulous big horse, hopefully there will be more days with him and it is great to get this. Mrs Gillian Callaghan, trainer

The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr.D. Cullen, that some riders had proceeded past the marker poles before being instructed to do so and before time which resulted in a false start. Evidence was heard from J.J. Slevin, rider of Villain Thomas, M.P. O'Connor, rider of Georgina Burgess and Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Roisins Ciara. J.J. Slevin stated that he didn't hear the starter's instruction that they were before time but accepted that he had broke into a canter before the marker poles. M.P. O'Connor accepted that he had moved into a canter prior to reaching the marker poles. Mr. D.L. Queally felt that starting on a bend didn't help the situation, but accepted that he had proceeded into a canter before reaching the marker poles

Having viewed the video of the start and listening to the starters audio recordings, the Stewards were satisfied that J.J. Slevin, M.P. O'Connor and Mr. D.L. Queally were in breach of Rule 208 and taking their clean records in this regard into account, they suspended all three riders for 1 raceday

M.M. McDonagh, rider of The Gradual Slope trained by Sean O. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was very green early on and took a blow leaving the back straight

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fainche, trained by E.Sheehy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be struck into on the right hind but was otherwise was post race normal

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Fainche, ridden by P.K. Donovan, and trained by E.Sheehy

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P.K. Donovan, stated that his mount is a very small animal and not the most straight forward to ride. He added his instructions were to sit in mid division, creep into the race and do the best he could. He said his saddle slipped after the false start which had to be readjusted and as a result of this he jumped off much further back than planned. He said his mount jumped poorly and he felt it may be suited by better ground in future better. E.Sheehy, confirmed the instructions given and stated that he had walked the track before hand and felt the better ground was on the inside which formed part of his instructions. He added that he was disappointed that his charge was so far off the pace, but felt the saddle adjustment had contributed to this along with the testing ground conditions. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Fainche was found to be struck into on the right hind, but was otherwise post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race, considered the evidence and that of the I.H.R.B. Veterinary Officer, the Stewards noted the explanations offered

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Duffys Hodey, ridden by M.J. Doyle, and trained by P.J

Rothwell. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. M.J. Doyle, stated that his instructions were to drop his mount out as the animal can be free at home, creep into the race and to do the best he could. He said his mount made a little noise in running, but jumped and travelled well throughout. He said he had not rode in a race for three years and his fitness was a problem, but accepted that he should have made more of an effort to get into contention and that he should have finished much closer. P.J. Rothwell, confirmed the instructions given and was happy the rider kept wide and out of trouble for much of the race. He also reported that the animal had mad a noise on pulling up. Mr. Rothwell concluded by outlining the riders inexperience and fitness levels, but was also strongly of the view that it looked bad up the straight and that the rider should have finished a lot closer. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Vete

A hurdle for four years old and upwards THAT HAVE NOT WON A RACE, INCLUDING FLAT RACES, UNDER ANY N.H. RULES OR RULES OF RACING AND THAT AT ENTRY HAVE NOT RUN IN MORE THAN TWO HURDLE RACES AND HAVE NOT FINISHED SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH OR FIFTH IN A HURDLE RACE
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 8lbs 5-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs