The Referrals Committee, Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. M.C. Hickey and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at the Stewards Room, The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare on Saturday 28th September 2019 to consider the referral of J.B. Kane (Rider) by the Stewards at Kilbeggan on 6th September 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Devitts And Doheny & Nesbitt Handicap Hurdle the Stewards wished to interview Mr. Kane, rider of Monsieur Bagot, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. Mr. Kane accepted that he had three previous breaches of Regulation 10 since the new Whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the rider’s acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation 10, the Stewards pursuant to Regulation 10.6 referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Kane. The Referrals Committee also viewed footage of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Kane accepted that he had used his above the permitted number of times during the race. He added that his horse had a tendency to race behind the bridle and he was also conscious of his mount leaning in on top of the horse on his inside, Humps And Bumps. He suggested that he had used his whip as a safety measure.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Kane to be in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Considering his record in this regard they imposed a suspension of six racedays.
The case was presented by Liam Walsh, Stewards Secretary.