The Referrals Committee, with Mr Martin P O’Donnell as chairman, convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 01 July 2025 to consider the referral of Mr D M Fitzgerald (Rider) following the Joe Quinn Transport Longford Handicap Hurdle on 01 June 2025.

On the day, the Raceday Stewards enquired  into the first approach to the starter involving Loup De Tallane(FR), ridden by A P Kelly, Blue Reed (FR), ridden by C P Millar, Cosmo Renfro, ridden by K E Buckley, Simpletwistoffaith, ridden by D J O'Keeffe, Kinbara Hills, ridden by S W Flanagan, Ballykinlar, ridden by A McCurtin, Our Uncle Jack, ridden by Mr D M Fitzgerald, Johanna'sjean, ridden by C Stone-Walsh, Silent Dawn, ridden by D Meyler, Getaway Master, ridden by J J Slevin, Give Him A Chance, ridden by T Power Roche, Sydney Cruiser, ridden by T P Harney, Give Her Hollie, ridden by J C Gainford and Theanniversary Man, ridden by Niall Moore, where it appeared all horses broke into a trot or canter before the flag was raised. As Mr Fitzgerald did not return following the deliberations the Raceday Stewards referred his conduct to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.

At the referral hearing, a submission from Mr Fitzgerald was considered.

In his submission, Mr Fitzgerald outlined that he had attended the enquiry initially and mistakingly thought the matter had concluded when all Riders were asked to leave the Stewards Room. Mr Fitzgerald explained that he then went to the stable yard to assist his father who was travelling with Our Uncle Jack as the horse was becoming restless and was unaware that he was required following deliberations. 

Having considered all submissions, the Referrals Committee took no further action other than to notify the rider of his obligations to return to the Stewards Room following the deliberations of the Raceday Stewards.

The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor, BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.