The Referrals Committee Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Joseph M. McGrath and Mr. Philip Caffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), Co. Kildare on 9th September 2019 to consider the referral of A.W. Short (Rider) by the Stewards at Downpatrick on 26th August 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Ulster Carpets Handicap Hurdle the Stewards wished to interview Mr. Short, rider of Solar Heat, concerning his use of the whip during the race.Mr. Short accepted that he had three previous breaches of Regulation R10(3) since the new whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the rider's acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation R10(3), the Stewards pursuant to Regulation R10(6) referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Short. The Referrals Committee also viewed footage of the race. Having considered the evidence in this case the Referrals Committee did not find Mr. Short in breach of Regulation 10.
The Referrals Committee also considered a referral of Mr. Short by the Stewards at Ballinrobe on 27th August 2019. On the day, following the running of the Corrib Oil Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards wished to interview Mr. Short, rider of Northern Emperor, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Mr. Short accepted that he had three or more previous breaches of Regulation R10(3) since the new whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the rider's acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation R10(3), the Stewards pursuant to Regulation R10(6) referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Short. The Referrals Committee also viewed footage of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Short accepted that he had used his whip 10 times during the race and was therefore in breach of Regulation R10.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Short to be in breach of R10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Considering his record in this regard the Committee imposed a six day suspension.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, and Mr. Short was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Wolfe Tone House, Naas, County Kildare.