Fortria Chase appeal is lodged

DANNY Mullins and owners Bronsan Racing have lodged an appeal against the result of last Saturday’s Bar One Racing Fortria Chase.

An interference inquiry took place on the day when 11/8 favourite Found A Fifty, ridden by Jack Kennedy, impeded the 12/1 runner-up Solness over the final fences. Kennedy felt his mount was always holding the second, while Mullins said he suffered intimidation and had his ground taken, which “cost him the race”.

A neck separated the pair at the line and the raceday stewards decided against promoting the runner-up Solness to first. An IHRB spokesperson confirmed the appeal will be heard on Tuesday morning.

Rimaud retires from Aga Khan post

GEORGES Rimaud, who has served as the director of the Aga Khan Studs in France for 25 years, will retire at the end of 2024.

His assistant Pierre Gasnier will succeed him as director of the studs in Normandy from January 2025 and will be the point of contact regarding the stallions and the studs in France. Constantin de Lencquesaing will be in charge of the stallion syndicates. Enquiries regarding horses in training in France should be directed to Nemone Routh, director and racing manager, while Pat Downes, director of the Aga Khan Studs in Ireland, remains the point of contact for enquiries regarding Sea The Stars and the studs and horses in training in Ireland.

New Grade 2 novice chase at Naas

NAAS Racecourse and Horse Racing Ireland has added a Grade 2 novice chase to its Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas raceday on Sunday, January 5th. The two-mile race will be sponsored by Racing Post. Recent winners of the novice chase include Blue Lord and Energumene.

Award for Ringfort Stud

GAY and Derek Veitch of Ringfort Stud in Co Offaly have won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month award for October. Ringfort Stud bred Anmaat, winner of the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.