The Referrals Committee, Mr Michael Hickey (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Martin O’Donnell convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 3 December to consider the referral of Finn Brickley (Rider) following the Hotel Park St. Johann Tirol Handicap Hurdle at Navan on 16 November 2024.

The Referrals Committee were asked to consider the referral of Mr Brickley by Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer, as Mr Brickley had ridden in the Hotel Park St. Johann Tirol Handicap Hurdle at Navan while still on medical alert.

At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Brickley and Dr Pugh.

In his evidence, Mr Brickley outlined his engagement with his orthopaedic surgeon and accepted that due to various reasons he had not been cleared to return to race riding. Mr Brickley stated that he saw his name declared to ride the horse and on that basis thought that he was therefore cleared to ride. Mr Brickley confirmed that he was aware of the potential consequences of riding in a race while still on medical alert and he is now fully aware of his responsibilities in this regard.

In her evidence, Dr Pugh explained that Mr Brickley had suffered an injury in mid-September and had an orthopaedic review in early November when he was informed that he would require another appointment. Dr Pugh confirmed it is the responsibility of all Riders not to ride while on medical alert.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Brickley in breach of Regulation 11 in that he had ridden while on medical alert. The Referrals Committee ordered that Mr Brickley forfeit his riding fee, fined him €250 and suspended him for three race days. Furthermore, under the provisions of Rule 262(d), they ordered that Calico be disqualified from the Hotel Park St. Johann Tirol Handicap Hurdle.

The referral was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.

Suspension dates to be confirmed