The Referrals Committee, Mr Martin P O’Donnell (Chairman), Mr Raymond J McSharry and Mr Jack Reardon convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 01 July 2025 to consider the referral of Mr Finn Brickley (Rider) following the the Bulmers Handicap Hurdle in Clonmel on 06 June 2025.

On the day, the Raceday Stewards, wished to enquire into the riders first approach to the Starter. However, it appeared Mr Brickley, rider of Fils d’Oudairies, had left the racecourse prior to 10 minutes after the winner alright had been announced as required under Rule 229(v). The matter was referred on to the Referrals Committee for further investigation 

At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Brickley

In his evidence, Mr Brickley stated he believed he had waited 10 minutes after the winner alright had been announced as he could recall talking to a member of Gordon Elliott’s staff outside the weighroom. Mr Brickley said that he then left the track to attend a family funeral before becoming aware that he was required by the Raceday Stewards. In relation to the first approach to the Starter, Mr Brickley said that it was his intention to be third or fourth and not make the running in the race but his mount was an experienced horse who knew his job and had started to move forward as horses approached around him. Mr Brickley added that he did not intend to cause a false start but that he had struggled to restrain his mount who can be keen at times.

Having considered Mr Brickley’s evidence, the Referrals Committee took no further action.

The case was presented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward, instructed by Ms Christine Traynor, BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.