The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 14 January to consider the referral of Mr Ray Barron (Rider) following the Masterchefs 2025 Maiden Hunters Steeplechase at Limerick on 29 December 2024.

On the day, the Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding a false start prior to the running of this race. The Raceday Stewards wished to interview Mr Barron, rider of Rocky’s Howya, however Mr Barron had left the racecourse within 10 minutes of the ‘Winner Alright’ being announced and as a result the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.

At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Barron.

In his evidence, Mr Barron accepted he was in breach of Rule 229(v) in that he had left the racecourse prior to 10 minutes after the ‘Winner Alright’ was announced for this race. Mr Barron explained that he left the racecourse immediately after the race to fulfil his engagement in the last race at Leopardstown on the same day and apologised for the breach of this rule. In relation to the false start, Mr Barron stated that he had obeyed the Starter by initially taking a turn right-handed as requested but then questioned if it would be better to take a turn left-handed on the second occasion. Mr Barron accepted that there was no flag raised by the Starter, therefore there was no signal to approach the start or to start the race but said that his mount was quite free going and difficult to restrain. Mr Barron accepted he was the first horse to jump off but said that his mount had just reacted to the horses coming behind him.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Barron in breach of Rule 208(v)(b), in that he had failed to obey the instruction of the starter. Having considered Mr Barron’s record in this regard, the Referrals Committee suspended Mr Barron for two racedays. Furthermore, the Referrals Committee also found Mr Barron in breach of Rule 229(v), in that he left the racecourse prior to 10 minutes after the ‘Winner Alright’. Having considered Mr Barron’s record in this regard, the Referrals Committee suspended Mr Barron for one raceday.

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

Suspension dates: 28 January, 3 February, 5 February.