Mrs. Julie Cashin (restricted trainer) / Martin Ferris (rider) / ‘Street Party’ Referral Cork – 4th January 2014

The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Philip Caffrey and Martin O’Donnell met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday 10th January 2014 to consider the referral of Mrs. Julie Cashin, trainer, Martin Ferris, rider and ‘Street Party’ following the running of the McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle at Cork on 4th January 2014.  On the day, the Stewards were unable to hold an enquiry into the running and riding of ‘Street Party’ as Mrs. Julie Cashin had not appointed an authorised representative in accordance with the provisions of Rule 147(v).

Evidence was heard from Mrs. Julie Cashin and Martin Ferris.  Film of the race was also reviewed.

In her evidence, Mrs. Julie Cashin said that she has had ‘Street Party’ under her care for four months and that he was a horse that has be to ridden on his own as he is “hot and keen”.  She stated that the instructions given to Martin Ferris were to get the horse settled, not to use the whip, get him into a good rhythm so as to put him into the race and to do his best.  She said she was pleased at the way the horse was ridden and how he settled.  She concluded by saying that if the horse wasn’t ridden in the manner he was that day, he would not have finished third.

In relation to the failure to nominate an authorised representative, Mrs. Cashin outlined why this had occurred and accepted that she was in breach of Rule 147(v).

In his evidence, Martin Ferris confirmed the instructions given by Mrs. Cashin and in particular that the whip was not to be used.  He said the horse ran free from the start and that it was hard to get him settled with the result that his mount did too much early on in the race.  He said he kept the horse together up the straight, to ensure he finished third, as he couldn’t compete with the winner or the second.  In his view this was the best possible placing the horse could have attained on the day.  He accepted that he is able to ride stronger but that there was no point in being stronger on this occasion, as the horse wouldn’t have finished any closer even if he did.  He concluded by saying that the horse was green and that he kept the animal on the outside during the race so that he could see the hurdles.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted that ‘Street Party’ was not a straight forward animal.  They noted the explanations and decided that no further action would be taken at this point.

In relation to the failure to nominate an authorised representative, the Committee found Mrs. Cashin to be in breach of Rule 147(v) and fined her €130.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Stipendiary Steward.