SportHorse racingCheltenham FestivalCo Galway-based Pat Kelly, a notoriously reclusive but talented trainer, is best known for his handling of Presenting Percy and Mall Dini14:52, 10 Jul 2026Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Pat Kelly has had his licence suspended amid ‘continuing regulatory concerns’.‌Co Galway-based Kelly is best known for his handling of Presenting Percy, a two-time winner at Cheltenham, and for his shunning of media attention. Under regular rider Davy Russell, Presenting Percy won the Pertemps Final and RSA Chase in 2017 and 2018 while Kelly also won the 2016 Pertemps with Mall Dini.‌Kelly was reported to the IHRB’s Referrals Committee after he failed to engage with or reply to correspondence to address issues raised during an inspection of his stable in January. He was fined a total of £2,000 for rules breaches and warned his licence would be suspended from seven days after the July 1 hearing, unless he engaged with the IHRB and demonstrated he has put right the issues highlighted by investigators.‌The Committee, meeting again on July 7, was told of the level of engagement by Kelly, who had run a horse the previous day, and the outcome of another stable inspection.Photographs of horse passports were provided by Dr Lesley Ferguson who also said “some concerns raised regarding the management of the Training Premises remain live issues”.The Committee said: “The panel considered the engagement from Mr Kelly, contact he made with the IHRB on the day of the reconvened hearing, noting his imposition and they considered the level of mitigation including his personal circumstances.‌“Having considered the evidence, the submissions made on behalf of the IHRB, and the information placed before it since its determination of 30 June 2026, the Referrals Committee determined that the condition attached to its earlier decision had not been satisfied.“Accordingly, the Referrals Committee confirmed that the suspension of Mr Kelly's Trainer's Licence shall take effect immediately.Article continues below“In reaching its decision, the Referrals Committee emphasised that engagement with the IHRB is a fundamental obligation of every licensed Trainer and that compliance with the Rules of Racing requires ongoing cooperation with the IHRB's regulatory processes. “The Committee further noted the continuing regulatory concerns arising in this matter.The suspension of Mr Kelly's Trainer's Licence shall remain in force until further order of the Referrals Committee.”Kelly will have to satisfy the Committee that he has addressed the matters of concern before any future licence application is considered.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Cheltenham FestivalFestivals