The Referrals Committee, Mr. Sean Barry (in the chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Dr. Tom McDonagh convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday 18th July 2022 to consider the referral of Dillon Maxwell, Shane O’Callaghan and Conor Orr (Riders) following the Dunlop Homes Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick on 12thJune 2022.
On the day, the Stewards wished to enquire into an incident after jumping the second last hurdle involving Red Striker, ridden by Mr. Maxwell, Greenandwhitearmy, ridden by Mr. O’Callaghan and Perfect Arch, ridden by Mr. Orr but as Mr. Maxwell was unable to attend the enquiry due to injury, the matter was referred to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Maxwell, Mr. O’Callaghan and Mr. Orr and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Orr stated that there was a small gap on his inside and he heard Mr. Maxwell give a shout so he tried to keep his mount straight but shortly afterwards Mr. Maxwell’s mount clipped a heel and came down.
Mr. O’Callaghan stated that he was tracking Mr. Maxwell and was badly hampered when Mr. Maxwell’s mount fell and his race was over thereafter.
Mr. Maxwell stated that he saw the gap in front of him on Mr. Orr’s inside but accepted that on watching the race back it was a small gap and he should have taken a check off heels sooner. He stated that he had tried to take a pull but at this point it was too late and his mount clipped a heel and came down.
Having considered the evidence, the panel could not apportion blame to any rider and in the circumstances they took no further action other than to advise Mr. Maxwell to ride with more awareness in future.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Legal Regulatory Advisor.