Cheltenham placings changed

THE Paul Nolan-trained Sandor Clegane has been belatedly disqualified from third place in the 2023 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival due to a positive post-race test.

After finishing third behind Stay Away Fay, the gelding tested positive for 5-hydroxydantrolene. Upon investigation by the British Horseracing Authority, the trainer confirmed that Sandor Clegane had a prescription for Dantrolene to be adminstered daily for three months from November 2022. Dantrolene is conventionally used in racehorses as a skeletal muscle relaxant.

The prescribing regime was not followed correctly and the horse was given a dosage before it travelled to Cheltenham, on the understanding that it had a withdrawal time of 56 hours.

The BHA contended that Nolan had not taken reasonable precautions to avoid a rule breach and this was upheld by the Disciplinary Panel. The trainer was fined £2,500 and third place was awarded to Letsbeclearaboutit, trained by Gavin Cromwell.

Unexpected death of Mary Smullen

MARY Smullen, mother of champion jockey Pat Smullen and grandmother to amateur riders Hannah and Paddy Smullen, passed away unexpectedly at home last Tuesday. Her funeral Mass is today (Saturday) at noon in St Peter’s Church, Rhode, Co Offaly.

Among the many messages of condolence posted on RIP.ie, Tamso Doyle of Baroda Stud wrote: “So tough on a mother to lose a son and husband yet she kept her best side out. I saw Mary as a very proud mother to Pat and his siblings and then as a very proud and supportive grandmother and mother-in-law to Frances, Hannah, Paddy and Sarah.”

Predeceased by her husband Paddy and son Pat, Mary is survived by three sons, four daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren.

Burgage Stud fees confirmed

DUAL purpose stallion Jukebox Jury will stand at a fee of €12,500 for the 2025 season at Victor Connolly’s Burgage Stud. The sire of Il Etait Temps, Farclas and Princess Zoe will cover a strictly limited book. Sea Moon and Fascinating Rock will both stand a a fee of €2,500 live foal.

Listowel Races director mourned

EAMON Foran, former chairman of Listowel Race Company, died this week. A director of Listowel for over 45 years, he was chairman from 1992 to 1994 and from 2002 to 2004.

Listowel Races posted on social media: “Eamon worked tirelessly to positively impact the development of Listowel Racecourse, and his impact has been immeasurable. His legacy will continue to live on here on ‘The Island’ for decades to come.”

Racehorse owner John Murrell dies

ON Friday, Thoroughbred Daily News broke the news that prominent racehorse owner John Murrell has died. The silks of his wife Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez are a familiar sight in Irish racing, the couple having had horses in training with Aidan O’Brien, Dermot Weld, John Murphy, Joseph O’Brien and Michael O’Callaghan.

Their Group 1 winners included Intricately, Iridessa, Qualify, Thunder Moon, White Birch and Zhukova, while in the 1970s Murrell raced dual Prix de l’Abbaye winner Gentilhombre, trained by Neil Adam.

French Stallion Trail invitation

THE 2025 La Route des Etalons (French Stallion Trail) will take place next Friday and Saturday, January 17th and 18th. A total of 20 stud farms are taking part and no fewer than 90 stallions will be presented to visitors over the two days.

Web: laroutedesetalons.com