The Referrals Committee Mr. Laurence McFerran (in the chair), Mr. M.C Hickey and Mr. N.P Lambert convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), Co. Kildare on 2nd September 2019 to consider the referral of G.M Ryan (Rider) by the Stewards at Killarney on 23rd August 2019.
On the day, following the running of the ML Lynch Apprentice Handicap the Stewards wished to interview G.M Ryan rider of Danehill Quest, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. Mr. Ryan accepted that he had three previous breaches of Regulation 10 since the new Whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the riders acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation 10, the Stewards pursuant to Regulation R10.6 referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Ryan. The Referrals Committee also viewed footage of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Ryan accepted that he had used his whip 10 times during this race. He stated that his mount was a doubtful stayer over the 1m6f distance of the race but the horse was responding in the closing stages. He also added that in the closing stages of the race his mount began to drift towards the inside of the track and the eventual winner, Marlborough Sounds, and he therefore used his whip in his left hand to correct him.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Ryan to be in breach of Regulation R10.3(g) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency. Considering his record in this regard the Committee imposed a six day suspension.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.