An identity mix-up occurred at Punchestown today where two Enda Bolger-trained, J.P. McManus-owned horses Dont Tell Jack and Centreofattention were confused, with one mistaken horse erroneously competing and the other later having to be withdrawn.

While Dont Tell Jack was due to contest today’s second race, stablemate Centreofattention competed in his stead - finishing seventh, before the error was spotted.

Centreofattention was declared to run in the later Matchbook Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle, but when presented to be scanned, it was discovered he was Don’t Tell Jack, so was withdrawn. It transpired Centreofattention had run earlier in the Matchbook B2B And Operator Hedging Rated Novice Chase, instead of Don’t Tell Jack.

As the ‘winner alright’ announcement had been announced, Dont Tell Jack’s ‘seventh-placing’ was allowed stand, and the matter has been referred on to a senior racing official.

The IHRB report reads:

Prior to the running of the fifth race, the Raceday Stewards withdrew Centreofattention, trained by E. Bolger, as the horse presented to the IHRB for scanning after saddling as Centreofattention was in fact Don’t Tell Jack, also trained by E. Bolger. It subsequently became apparent that the horse Centreofattention had participated in the second race and not the declared horse Don’t Tell Jack, finishing unplaced.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr. Frank Berry, Authorised Representative for E.Bolger, M.P. Walsh, rider, Joan Taylor, IHRB Veterinary Officer and James Casey, IHRB Veterinary Assistant. Since the winner alright had been signalled following the second race, the Raceday Stewards were unable to take any further action in relation to that race, and referred the entire matter onto a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.

Mr. J. Collins and Mr. C.J. O'Reilly recused themselves from this enquiry.