R.P. Whelan (Rider) – Referral – The Curragh, 7^th June 2019

The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt, (in the chair), Mr. Philip Caffrey and Mr. Philip McLernon convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Tuesday, 18^th June 2019 to consider the referral of R.P. Whelan, Rider, by the Stewards at The Curragh on 7^th June 2019.

On the day, following the running of the TRI Equestrian Silver Stakes the Stewards wished to enquire into a possible breach of Regulation 10(3). Mr. Whelan confirmed to the Stewards that he had three previous offences under R10(3) since the new Regulations came into effect. Having considered the video evidence and the rider’s acceptance of his disciplinary record in this regard, the Stewards, in accordance with the provisions of R10(6), referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for their consideration.

The Referrals Committee viewed a recording of the race and evidence was heard from Mr. Whelan who accepted that his whip use was in breach of the Regulation. 

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Whelan to be in breach of R10(3)(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and they imposed the mandatory 6 day suspension under R10.6.

The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.

Suspension Dates: 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^thand 8^th July