The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Mr. Stephen Collins and Dr. Paddy Molony convened at Dundalk Racecourse on Friday 3rd December 2021 to consider the referral of Declan McDonogh, rider of Pulse Of Shanghai following the Paddy Power Scurry Handicap at The Curragh on 17th July 2021.
On the day, the Stewards wished to interview with Mr. McDonogh concerning the fact that he appeared to move across on his mount, Pulse Of Shanghai, before reaching the Marker Poles at the start of this race. However, as Mr. McDonogh had already departed the racecourse, the Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. McDonogh and the panel also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. McDonogh stated that his mount jumped a bit left out of the stalls and slightly hampered the horses on his inside for five strides but that there was nothing he could do about this as his mount is a keen type of horse who is a front runner. Mr. McDonogh accepted that he didn’t correct his mount after the initial movement but felt that as he was then two lengths clear at the time that he wasn’t interfering with any other runners.
Having considered the evidence, the panel were satisfied that Mr. McDonogh was in breach of Rule 211(a) in that he did not ride in a straight line from his draw position until reaching the Marker Poles and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for one raceday.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.