Five horses lost their lives at Clonmel’s summer jumping fixture on Friday evening.

Ballintotty Boy was the first casualty, pulling up injured after jumping the first flight in the opening BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Maiden Hurdle on ground officially described as good.

Milan Elite fell at the fifth in the Christopher Memorial Beginners Chase and sadly failed to rise, with the ground changing to good to firm after the race.

The third fatality came in the Clonmel Show Sunday 6th July Handicap Chase, with Oscar Pearl having to be put down after pulling up, and newcomers Lisgreen Lad and Areyouforreal both suffered fatal injuries in the concluding bumper.

Clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer said: “Obviously we were facing into 22 degree heat and a very warm dry evening and there is always an element of risk with summer jumping.

“The track as it opened up during the day obviously dried and that may have been a factor.

“Obviously our sympathies go out to all the connections. We at Clonmel, and at all times and at all tracks, do our best to get everyone home safe both horse and rider.

“Unfortunately we have had five fatalities this evening and we will look back and assess what happened.”

Conditional jockey Donagh Meyler was handed a 21-day suspension after the stewards found he had not ridden the third placed Indian Fairy to achieve the best possible placing in the opening race.

More experienced rider Brian Hayes was banned for four days for his ride aboard Abolitionist, who finished seventh in the beginners chase.