Get The Irish Field

on Christmas Eve

THE next edition of The Irish Field is out on Christmas Eve. It will contain Irish and British racecards for St Stephen’s Day and Irish cards for December 27th, along with entries for the remainder of the holiday period. The 112-page edition will also include extensive reviews of the racing year in Ireland, Britain, and further afield, a look back at the year in flat bloodstock, plus a prize crossword.

Leighton Aspell injured in road accident

FORMER jump jockey Leighton Aspell is recovering from a broken arm following a freak road accident. The Grand National-winning rider was on his way home from Dundalk Stadium on Friday, December 6th when a falling tree hit his car. Aspell spent some days in hospital before being allowed home.

Raceday steward

is laid to rest

OLIVER Kearney,a raceday steward at Cork, the Curragh, Galway, Killarney, Limerick, Listowel and Tipperary, died peacefully this week. Listowel Races director Pat Healy said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Oliver’s passing. From Moyvane in north Kerry, he lived in Asdee, just up the road from Listowel. He was a great steward for Listowel, hugely popular, a lovely man with a lovely presence. We send our condolences and prayers to his wife Ena, son Dan, daughters Tríona and Mari, and his family and friends.”

Former jump jockey passes away

PHIL Ryan, a professional jump jockey in the 1970s, passed away on Tuesday. From Toomevara in Co Tipperary, Phil, who rode for trainer Christy Kinane, was a brother to trainer Stephen Ryan and father of jump jockey Trevor Ryan. His friend Donal Murphy commented on RIP.ie: “We travelled many a road and the craic was always mighty. As a jockey Phil was one of the best of his day. When the chips were down Phil was not for wanting.”

Breeder of the Month winner for November

THOMAS Fahey, breeder of Found A Fifty, is the Connolly’s Red Mill Breeder of the Month winner for November. A dual Grade 1 winner last season, Found A Fifty won two Grade 2 races in November - one in Down Royal and one at Navan.

Amo Racing buys

Michael Stoute yard

KIA Joorabchian, the founder of Amo Racing, hopes to complete the purchase of Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge in Newmarkete early next month. The football agent told the Off The Bridle podcast: “We’re hoping to complete in the beginning of January and we’re very thrilled and honoured to have it. We’ll keep maybe 50 at Freemason next year. We will continue with our group of trainers but Raphael (Friere) has definitely grown out of Lambourn and we’ve been looking for a yard, it’s been no secret.”

Uncle Mo suffers fatal leg injury in USA

SUCCESSFUL sire Uncle Mo was put down this week at Coolmore America due to a leg injury. The 16-year-old stallion has sired 15 Grade 1 winners, including Kentucky Derby scorer Nyquist, and was due to stand at a fee of $125,000 in 2025. By Indian Charlie, Uncle Mo won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by over four lengths.

McNally takes

case against IHRB

RONAN McNally has initiated legal proceedings against the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board over the 12-year training ban he received in 2023.

McNally, based in Armagh, was found to have caused “serious damage to the interests of horse racing in Ireland” following an investigation into a series of races involving McNally-trained horses who landed gambles in handicaps having allegedly not been run on their merits when gaining a handicap mark. McNally was also fined €50,000 and ordered to repay €13,000 in prize money.