The Referrals Committee, Mr. Nicholas Wachman (Chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday 4th August 2023 to consider the referral of Mr. P.W. Mullins, Mr. L.T. Turner, Mr. J.H. Williamson and Mr. J. Dunne by the Raceday Stewards at Downpatrick on the 13th July 2023.
On the day, following the running of the Cosy Roof INH Flat Race, the Raceday Stewards wished to enquire into an incident in the closing stages of this race, but as Mr. Mullins had left the Racecourse the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Mullins, Mr. Turner, Mr. Williamson and Mr. Dunne and the committee watched a recording of the race.
In relation to the incident, evidence was heard from the riders concerned and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Mullins stated that his mount was not travelling well, was passed by Mr. Dunne on his outside while going downhill around the bend and that it got tight, however he felt that his mount was going backwards at the time.
In his evidence, Mr. Turner stated that he had kept a straight line and it got a small bit tight turning in but he had not suffered interference.
In his evidence, Mr. Williamson stated that he was coming through a gap, he sat tight and as he was coming around the bend he pulled his stick through to his left hand and avoided making contact with any other horse
In his evidence, Mr. Dunne accepted that he had made contact with Mr. Mullins mount on the point of the bend as his own mount was leaning in but that he corrected his mount straight away.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion that while interference had occurred, they could not apportion blame to any rider and were therefore taking no further action.
As regards the circumstances in which Mr. Mullins had left the racecourse when required for an enquiry, evidence was heard from Mr. Mullins and the Committee also considered written reports from Mr. Colman Sweeney, IHRB Stipendiary Steward, and Mr. Paul Deegan, IHRB Clerk of the Scales.
In his evidence, Mr. Mullins stated that he was travelling from Downpatrick by Helicopter to ride in the 8:30 race at Leopardstown and before departing he had asked the Clerk of the Scales if he was required by the Stewards. Mr. Mullins accepted that he was in breach of Rule 229(v) and that he should have handled the situation better on the day.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Mullins in breach of Rule 229(v) in that he had departed the Racecourse prior to 10 minutes after the “Winner All Right” Announcement, and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended Mr. Mullins for two Racedays.
Suspension Dates: 14th & 17th August
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.