The Referrals Committee, Mr. Laurence McFerran (in the chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. Finbarr Cahill convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday 17th November 2022 to consider the referral of Mr. Tony Martin, Trainer and Peter Carberry, Rider, following the fixture at Galway on 30th October 2022.
On the day, the Stewards wished to enquire into the running and riding of Friendly Star (FR), trained by Mr. Martin and ridden by Mr. Carberry. Prior to evidence being heard on the day, the Stewards became aware that Mr. Martin or a registered Authorised Representative were not present and the matter was referred to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Martin. Mr. Carberry and the panel also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Carberry stated that his instructions were to get cover and get the horse settled as he can be a difficult ride. Mr. Carberry explained that the field went a very sedate pace and with only five runners that the race was not going according to plan and he had no choice but to take up the running. He said that the horse did settle in front but after passing the stands with a circuit to go he got lit up again and took off going down the hill. Mr. Carberry added that he could feel the horse emptying from the second last and said that he had no more to give after the last and he never picked up from there. Mr. Carberry also added that he was familiar with the horse from France and he had not always been straightforward in his races there and despite this race not going to plan, he was satisfied with the performance of the horse who he felt had ran with credit, all things considered.
In his evidence, Mr. Martin confirmed the instructions given to Mr. Carberry and explained that Mr. Carberry knows the horse well and is only one of two Riders who ride him out at home due to his characteristics. Mr. Martin said he could see from watching the race that the horse had raced too keenly in the early stages and when he spoke with Mr. Carberry after the race he confirmed this. Furthermore, Mr. Martin stated that the horse was scoped after the race and was found to have bled and produced a veterinary report to confirm this. He said the horse has subsequently been trained out of the field and this run at Galway confirmed that he will need to be settled in his races and not make the running going forward. Mr. Martin said he was satisfied with the ride, although with the benefit of this run, he is now aware that the horse needs to be settled behind horses and ideally on the rail to get as much cover as possible.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted the explanations offered by Mr. Martin and Mr. Carberry, however, they found Mr. Carberry in breach of Rule 213(ii) for failing to report anything that might have affected the running of his horse. Having considered Mr. Carberry’s record in this regard, they suspended him for one raceday.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
Date of Suspension: 1st December