The Referrals Committee, Sean Barry, (in the chair), P.J.A. O’Connor and Philip McLernon, met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, 10th May 2017 to consider the referral of Barry Cash, rider, following the running of the Friends First Steeplechase (La Touche Cup) at Punchestown on 27th April 2017. On the day the stewards had wished to conduct an enquiry into the use of the whip by Barry Cash on Treo Eile, but were unable to do so as he had left the racecourse. As a result they referred the matter to the Referrals Committee under the provisions of Rule 14(ii)(b).

Evidence was heard from Barry Cash. The Committee also reviewed film of the race.

In his evidence Barry Cash outlined his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. He said his main priority was to ensure that his horse didn’t stop. He said he hadn’t used a lot of force when he used the whip and referred to the fact that he had limited room to swing the whip in the latter stages of the race, as he was riding very close to the horse that finished second. He accepted that he had used the whip too frequently.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found that Barry Cash was in breach of Regulation R10 3(a)(f) and R10 4. In view of his clean record, the Committee imposed a caution for the rule breaches.

The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, solicitor.