The Referrals Committee Mr. Laurence McFerran (in the chair), Mr. M.C. Hickey and Mr. N.P. Lambert convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), Co. Kildare on 2nd September 2019 to consider the referral of C.J Orr (Rider) by the Stewards at Ballinrobe on 12th August 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Broderick’s Electrical Handicap Hurdle the Stewards wished to interview C.J Orr, rider of Bridge Native, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. Mr. Orr accepted that he had three previous breaches of Regulation 10 since the new Whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the riders acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation 10, the Stewards pursuant to Regulation R10.6 referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Orr. The Referrals Committee also viewed footage of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Orr accepted that he had used his whip nine times during the race. He explained that he felt his mount had a chance of winning the race as the field turned into the straight but when it became clear that he would be unable to catch the eventual winner of the race he went over the limit trying to finish second or third but his mount tired and eventually finished fourth.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Orr to be in breach of Regulation R10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Considering his record in this regard the Committee imposed a six day suspension.
The Referrals Committee also considered a referral of Mr. Orr by the Stewards at Bellewstown on 29th August 2019. Evidence was heard from Mr. Orr and having considered the evidence in this case the Referrals Committee decided not to proceed and dismissed the case.
The cases were presented by Liam Walsh, Stewards Secretary and Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.