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Cheltenham Stewards Hand Bans After False Starts and Interference on Festival Opening Day

Stewards cited a false start alongside on-track interference as grounds for the penalties.

Overview

  • Danny Gilligan received a one-day suspension after the starter reported he caused the second false start by failing to walk or jog to initiate the race.
  • Conor Stone-Walsh was suspended for two days for careless riding after his mount drifted left toward the rail and forced Donagh Meyler and then Sam Twiston-Davies to check.
  • Two false starts delayed the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase, which was the final race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
  • A stewards' enquiry confirmed interference after the first fence involving Iceberg Theory, Backersackme, and Guard the Moon, with the latter two horses pulled up and Iceberg Theory finishing fifth.
  • Gilligan rode Will Do to 11th place after earlier rides on Koktail Brut and Dee Capo, and he is listed for multiple mounts on Wednesday and one on Thursday.