A raceday steward at Leopardstown Racecourse experienced a remarkably fortunate escape during the high-profile Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, after running directly in front of a fence as a horse was approaching to jump it.
Dramatic Incident at Final Fence
The incident occurred during the feature race of the Dublin Racing Festival, which had been rescheduled from Saturday due to adverse weather conditions. The steward was rushing to attend to the fallen horse Inothewayurthinkin, the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, who had come down at the final obstacle.
However, in their haste to reach the fallen competitor, the steward crossed the track directly in front of the last fence just as Grangeclare West, ridden by jockey Brian Hayes, was preparing to jump. The timing created a heart-stopping moment for spectators and racing professionals alike.
Regulatory Review and Response
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board promptly investigated the concerning incident. After reviewing race footage, the raceday stewards requested that clerk of the course Paddy Graffin remind all responsible personnel to maintain greater awareness during future events.
"Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the raceday stewards requested the clerk of the course, Mr Paddy Graffin, to remind those responsible to be more aware in future," stated the official report published on the regulatory board's website.
Race Outcome and Trainer Reaction
Despite the dramatic near-miss, the race concluded with Fact To File, a 9-2 chance ridden by Mark Walsh, securing victory by five lengths ahead of Gaelic Warrior. The legendary trainer Willie Mullins achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 finish in the prestigious contest.
"It was a hell of a performance from horse and jockey," remarked Mullins after the race, praising both Fact To File and jockey Mark Walsh for their exceptional showing. The winning horse added to Walsh's impressive tally of successes during the festival meeting.
Mullins expressed particular satisfaction with Fact To File's stamina demonstration, noting: "It was far and above what Fact To File had done before. I was wondering whether he would stay the trip as they went a fair lick from the start and he got every inch of it."
Future Prospects and Festival Anticipation
Fact To File, who already boasts the 2024 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase and 2025 Ryanair Chase on his Cheltenham Festival record, has emerged as a strong contender for future events. The horse is currently priced at 4-5 favourite to retain his title with Coral, though would require a £25,000 supplementary entry fee to compete in the Gold Cup.
Jockey Mark Walsh expressed confidence in the horse's capabilities, stating: "He has no problem staying. I gave my lad a little squeeze and there was plenty left." Walsh's comments came as he prepares for potential future opportunities, with Harry Cobden scheduled to take over as retained rider for owner JP McManus from May.
The incident has sparked discussion within racing circles about track safety protocols, with one spectator commenting on social media platform X: "Spotted that live!!!! He was lucky!" The narrow escape serves as a reminder of the split-second decisions and inherent risks involved in professional horse racing.
