The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Robert Dore and Mrs J.O. Onions met at the Stewards Rooms, Kilbeggan Racecourse, Co Westmeath on Friday 2nd September 2016 to consider an application from Denis Egan, Chief Executive/Doping Control Officer, to provisionally suspend Danny Grant, rider, from any or all events or activities organised or authorised by or held under the Rules of Racing or Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee Rules wherever held pending a decision by the Referrals Committee or Appeals Body pursuant to Rule 279(vi).

The application was made on the basis that the ‘A’ sample taken from Mr Grant at Killarney racecourse on 17th August 2016 was found to contain Benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl esther (cocaine metabolites). This followed on from the finding of the same substances found in the ‘A’ sample taken from him at Cork racecourse on 2nd August 2016 (as notified to him in writing on 31st August 2016).

It was submitted that in order to ensure the health and safety of Danny Grant, and the health and safety of other riders, it was not in the best interests of either that he be allowed to continue to ride pending a termination being made in respect of both the above findings.

The Referrals Committee found that they had the power under Rule 278(v) to suspend a rider prior to any plenary procedure. They noted that it was unusual that such an application would be made. However taking into account the circumstances outlined, they agreed that it was not in the best interests of Danny Grant or those of other riders that he be allowed to continue to ride and as such they suspended him with immediate effect until such further order may be made by the Referrals Committee and/or Appeals Body. They did grant leave to Mr Grant to make an application at any time to have the provisional suspension lifted.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive.