The Referrals Committee, Sean Barry, (in the chair), Peter N. Reynolds and Laurence McFerran convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Thursday, 23^rd May 2019 to consider the referral of C.D. Hayes, Rider, by the Stewards at Naas on 11^th May 2019.

On the day, following the running of the Irish National Stud EBF Blue Wind Stakes the Stewards wished to enquire into a possible breach of R10(3) following a report from Ms Joan Taylor, IHRB Veterinary Officer that Tarnawa, ridden by Mr. Hayes, was found to be marked from the whip on a post-race examination. Mr. Hayes accepted the report and the photographic evidence presented. Ms Taylor confirmed that the photographic evidence referred to Tarnawa. Mr. Hayes accepted that he had three previous offences under Regulation R10(3) since the new Whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the Veterinary report and the rider’s acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation R10(3), the Stewards, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation R10(6), referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.

Evidence was heard from Mr. Hayes. Submissions were also made by D. K. Weld, trainer of the horse and Joseph O’Donnell, (Mr. Weld’s veterinary surgeon). The Referral Committee viewed footage of the race and photographic evidence provided by the IHRB Veterinary Officer on the day.

Mr. Hayes submitted that he did not believe the marks were caused by his whip due to the positioning of the marks on the horse. He suggested that the marks may have been caused by the horse sitting back and rubbing against the buckles of the rug used to help Tarnawa settle in the starting stalls.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Hayes to be in breach of Regulation R10.3(f) and imposed the mandatory 6 day suspension under Regulation R10.6. They ordered that the suspension would commence on Friday, 7^th June 2019.

Mr. Hayes was represented by Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare.

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

Suspension Dates: 7^th, 8^th, 10^th 13^th, 14^th and 15^th June