Wexford Referral – 20th May 2011

The Referrals Committee John Powell (in the Chair), P.J.A. O’Connor and Mrs. J.O. Onions met at the Turf Club on 27th October 2011 to consider the referral of an incident which occurred at Wexford on 20th May 2011 during the running of the Campile Apprentice Handicap where it appeared that Rock of Hope fell and brought down Black n Brew (USA).  The Stewards at Wexford were unable to conclude the enquiry as both J.P. Killahena (rider of Rock of Hope) and E.J. McNamara (rider of Black n Brew (USA)) could not attend the enquiry due to injuries sustained in the fall.

Evidence was heard from J.P. Killahena, S.A. Gray, D.J. Benson, D.M. Mullins, C.P. Hoban, S. Foley and E.J. McNamara who all rode in the race.  In evidence, no rider apportioned blame to any other rider for what occurred.  Videos of the race were also viewed.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that it was not possible to apportion blame to any one individual for what occurred.  They suggested that the configuration of the track and the location of the starting stalls should be examined for similar type races in the future.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.