The Referrals Committee Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Sean Barry and Hugh Ferguson met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday, 20th August 2013 to consider the referral of Derek McCormack, rider, as a result of him weighing in 2.5lbs above the base weight he weighed out at following the running of the “Tote Trifecta Rollover” Handicap at Cork on 6th August 2013. They also considered his referral in respect of his failure to attend the enquiry at Cork in respect of the above matter having been requested to do so. Both matters had been referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.

Evidence was heard from Denis Egan and from Derek McCormack.

In his evidence Denis Egan outlined the background to both matters being referred. He said that Derek McCormack may have misinterpreted the request to him to attend an enquiry which was why he left the racecourse without attending.

In his evidence Derek McCormack accepted that he had weighed in 2.5lbs above the base weight at which he weighed out. He said he was wasting prior to the race and that he drank water after he weighed out as he was dehydrated.  He said this was the reason for weighing in overweight.  He said he was not aware that he was required to attend the Stewards’ enquiry which is why he left the track without attending.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found Derek McCormack in breach of Rule 231(ii)(a) and in view of the fact that this was his third breach of that rule in the past three months, they suspended him for two race days (September 3rd and 4th).

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.