The Referrals Committee, Mr Nick Wachman (Chairman), Mr Peter Reynolds and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 16 July to consider a request from a Senior Racing Official under Rule 27(vii) to review an incident from the Ryans Cleaning Handicap at The Curragh on 24 May 2024. 

During the running of the Ryans Cleaning Handicap, an incident occurred after the 3f pole involving Emeric, ridden by D McMonagle, and El Bello, ridden by K G Kennedy where it appeared El Bello suffered significant interference. The matter was subsequently referred to the Referrals Committee under Rule 27 (vii). 

At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Dylan Browne McMonagle and Mr Keithen Kennedy. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence Mr Kennedy explained that when a gap opened he had plenty of room however, his mount backed out of the gap and he then pulled back. Mr Kennedy stated that he ran slightly short of room but did not feel as though he had the horse to run into the gap and therefore took a precautionary check.

In his evidence, Mr Browne McMonagle stated that at the point of the incident all the pressure was coming from the outside as horses were rounding for home. Mr Browne McMonagle stated that he left enough room for Mr Kennedy on the rail if he wanted to go there.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The case was presented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Mr McMonagle represented himself at the hearing.