The Referrals Committee Sean Barry (in the Chair), Justice Tony Hunt and Laurence McFerran met at the Stewards room, Kilbeggan Racecourse, Co Westmeath on Friday, 15th May 2015 to consider the penalty to be imposed on Adrian Heskin, as a result of him being found in breach of Rule 212 for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures on Foxrock in the latter part of the Weatherbys Ireland GSB Handicap Steeplechase at Punchestown on 7th December 2014.

The Committee considered submissions from Patrick Ward, solicitor on behalf of Adrian Heskin and Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.

Having considered the submissions, the Committee suspended Mr Heskin for six race days (May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st, 3rd & 4th).  In arriving at the level of penalty, the Committee noted that the normal penalty to be imposed for an offence of this nature is seven race days.  However, in view of the fact that Adrian Heskin had already served a one day ban imposed by the Stewards at Punchestown for a breach of Rule 213, which was set aside at the hearing on 18th April 2015, the Committee gave the rider credit for the day served and reduced the penalty imposed to six race days.

The case was presented by Denis Egan.  Adrian Heskin was represented by Patrick Ward, Frank Ward & Co Solicitors, Dublin 7.