IHRB Point to Point Stewards Enquiry Galway Blazers (F) at Loughrea Sunday 11 October 2026.
The Acting Stewards interviewed Mr O.T. Gilligan, rider of Thetownilovedsowel, unplaced, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of the Winners Of One. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he 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. (h) in that he had used the whip with his arm being or appearing to be above shoulder height.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Acting Stewards suspended Mr O.T. Gilligan for one Point to Point raceday.
The Acting Stewards enquired into the starting procedures adopted for the 5yo Geldings Maiden as despite a false start being declared, the majority of riders continued to ride before pulling up prior to completing a circuit of the course.
Once the riders had pulled up, the race was restarted. In compliance with Regulation 30 (x), all horses were permitted to start since no horse had completed a circuit of the course.
Evidence was heard from Tom Dempsey (Starter), James Dempsey (Fence Marshall), Mr B. O’Neill, rider of Quarter Split, Mr B. Finn, rider of Arthur’s Well, Mr A. Burke Ott, rider of Barna and Ms G. Benson, rider of Fierce Friend.
In his evidence, Tom Dempsey stated that he declared a false start and waved his red flag when he saw that Ms Benson was in trouble aboard Fierce Friend, who had planted himself at the start. James Dempsey stated that when he saw the starter wave his red flag, he raised his orange flag to alert the riders but further stated that he was not in a prominent position and therefore his flag would not have been visible to the majority of riders. Mr O’Neill stated that he dropped-in his mount when the starter let the tape go and he didn’t see any flag until he had almost completed a circuit of the course. Mr Finn stated that he did not see any flag. Mr Burke Ott stated that he was at the rear of the field and he pulled-up when he became aware of a flag but was of the opinion that the riders at the front of the race would not have been aware that a flag had been raised to denote a false start. Ms Benson stated that her mount planted himself at the start.
Having considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official under the provisions of Regulation 22 (xiii).
