Image © Healy Racing
IHRB Point to Point Stewards Enquiry East Down (F) Point to Point Meeting Saturday 24 January 2026
The Acting Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, regarding the failure of Mr E.P. Powell, rider of School Lane, placed fourth to weigh in after the Open Lightweight.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards found the rider in breach of Regulation 44 (iii) (failure to weigh in), and having taken the rider’s previous record into consideration, suspended Mr E.P. Powell for 1 point to point raceday.
Furthermore, the Acting Stewards disqualified School Lane from fourth place. The amended result now reads:
First: Carnfunnock
Second: Conflated
Third: Vina Ardanza
Fourth: Go Another One
The Acting Stewards enquired into the course taken by all finishers before the final bend, in the second and final circuits of the 5yo Geldings Maiden, where it appeared all horses took the wrong course and ran inside three red flagged turning points, having been directed to do so by two IHRB Officials, before rejoining the correct course on the approach to the final fence.
Evidence was heard from Mr N. McParlan, rider of Lord Des Fresnes (FR), placed fourth, who stated that he was aware at this same point on the track during the first circuit, that two loose horses had been injured behind him and subsequently found on the second and final circuits, that these horses were being attended to and obstructing the racing line.
He added that he reacted to the actions of the IHRB Officials, who directed him by hand signals off the course and inside the three red flagged turning points, before rejoining the course at the final turning point prior to the final fence. Mr S. Connor, Mr B. Dunleavy, Mr Dara McGill, Mr Oran McGill, Mr D.G. Lavery, Mr E. Mahon and Mr T. Walsh, riders of the other finishers all concurred with Mr McParlan’s evidence.
Evidence was also given by Mr Leo Gracey, IHRB Stewards Secretary who also concurred with the rider’s evidence. Having considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards using their powers in accordance with Regulation 33 (iii), were satisfied in the circumstances to declare the race valid, allow the full result to stand and took no further action.
Lismore (H) Dungarvan Point to Point Meeting Sunday 25 January 2026
The Acting Stewards interviewed Ms A.T. O’Reilly, rider of Tea In The Park, placed second, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of the 6yo & Upwards Geldings Maiden.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted she was in breach of the relevant whip regulation. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 58. 3.(i) in that she had used the whip without allowing or appearing to allow her mount at least three strides to respond.
Having taken her previous record into consideration, the Acting Stewards suspended Ms A.T. O’Reilly for one Point to Point raceday.
