The Referrals Committee, Mr Martin P. O’Donnell (Chairman), Mr John Murphy and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 22  January to consider the referral of Mr Rob James (Rider) following the Book Your Easter Early Bird Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on 22 January 2025.

On the day, the Raceday Stewards wished to interview Mr James concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of the Book Your Easter Early Bird Handicap Chase. However, as Mr James was unable to attend the enquiry the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee to consider if there was a possible breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and Regulation 10.3(f), in that he had used his whip with excessive force.

At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr James. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.  

In his evidence, Mr James accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) and apologised for the misjudgement. Mr James stated that his mount was idle in running and that he had miscounted. In relation to a potential breach of Regulation 10.3(f), Mr James explained that he had never been found in breach of this Regulation in his entire career and could only put it down to the fact that it was his first day using a new whip.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr James in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) and Regulation 10.3(f). Having considered Mr James’s record in each regard, the Referrals Committee suspended Mr James for four racedays in relation to Regulation 10.3(g) and for two racedays in relation Regulation 10.3(f).

The referral was presented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.

Suspension dates: 5, 6, 8, 9, 13 and 15 February