Galway trainer Stephen Mahon's licence suspended following stable inspection

Trainer Stephen Mahon has had his licence suspended by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board following inspections of his stable in County Galway.

Mahon, whose yard is based in Kilcolgan, had four horses declared to run at Ballinrobe on Friday evening, but they were all withdrawn before racing by order of the stewards.

When contacted by the Racing Post to find out why Mahon's horses had been withdrawn, Niall Cronin, communications manager for the IHRB said: "Due to issues arising following recent inspections, Mr Mahon's licence has been suspended."

Among the quartet of withdrawn horses was Carrig Cathal, who was due to contest the feature McGrath Limestone Works Handicap Hurdle. The ten-year-old is a winner of five of his 37 races, including on three occasions at Ballinrobe.

Stormey, a winner of three of his 42 starts, was also supposed to represent Mahon in the 2m1½f contest.

Mahon sent out his first runners in 1995 and won the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown with Calladine five years later.

His biggest success as a trainer arrived in the 2005 Troytown Chase at Navan when Prince Of Tara scored under Barry Geraghty, while he also won the Grade 3 betfair.com Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse in 2004 with Stromstad.

Back in 2007 Mahon was ordered by the Circuit Civil Court to pay over €34,000 in damages to the owner of Pike Bridge for the mistreatment of the horse.

Attempts were made by the Racing Post to contact Mahon about the suspension of his licence, but they proved unsuccessful.

Stephen Mahon career details

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