J.M. Sheridan (Rider) Referral – Killarney 19th July 2019
The Referrals Committee Mr. M.C. Hickey (Chairman), Mr. Tom McDonogh and Mr. Michael Hillman convened at Galway Racecourse, Co. Galway on Friday 2nd August 2019 to consider the referral of J.M. Sheridan (Rider) by the Stewards at Killarney on 19th July 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Tote Claiming Race the Stewards wished to interview J.M. Sheridan, rider of Shamalov, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. J.M. Sheridan, in the presence of Mr. James Gough, accepted that he had three previous breaches of Regulation 10 since the new Whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the riders acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to R10, the Stewards pursuant to R10.6 referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
The Referrals Committee viewed footage of the race and evidence was heard from Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Denis Hogan (Trainer).
In his evidence, Mr. Sheridan said that he was familiar with the horse from riding him in races and from riding him at home and stated that his mount was not the most straightforward. Mr. Sheridan accepted that he had failed to give his mount time to respond to his use of the whip but stated that he had used his whip as a safety measure for himself and for those around him as his mount had ducked from the railing.
Mr. Hogan said that the horse had given difficulty at home and that he was a very tricky horse to ride, especially going left-handed.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Sheridan to be in breach of R10.3(i) in that he used his whip without allowing his mount at least three strides to respond. Considering his record in this regard they imposed a mandatory six day suspension.
The case was presented by Liam Walsh, Stewards Secretary and Mr. Sheridan was accompanied by his Master, Denis Hogan.