The Referrals Committee N.B. Wachman (in the Chair), Mrs J.O. Onions and Noel McCaffrey met in the Turf Club, Curragh, Co Kildare on Thursday, 20th October 2016, to consider the referral of Declan McDonogh (rider) by the Stewards at Dundalk on 23rd September 2016.

On the day, following the running of the Dundalk Stadium Maiden, the Stewards were unable to conduct an enquiry into whether or not Mr McDonogh had moved across before reaching the marker poles, as he had left the track.

Evidence was heard from Declan McDonogh. Film of the race was also reviewed.

In his evidence Declan McDonogh accepted that he did not keep a straight line to the marker poles. He said this was due to his horse veering left of his own accord when he came out of the stalls and also as a result of four horses on his inside starting slowly which made it appear he crossed over quicker than he actually did. He said his manoeuver caused no interference.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Declan McDonogh in breach of Rule 212(a) as he did not keep straight line to the marker poles. However in view of the circumstances of the race and his good record they imposed a caution for the rule breach.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Stewards Secretary.