Jason Behan (Rider) – Disqualification imposed by
British Horseracing Authority

The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), John G. Moloney and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 3rd April 2012 to consider a request received from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to reciprocate the three years (6th October 2010 to 5th October 2013) disqualification imposed on Jason Behan as a result of an enquiry held into the running and riding of Casela Park (IRE) in the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Handicap Stakes at Newcastle on 4th August 2010.  The matter had been referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Chief Executive under the provisions of Rule 274(i).

Evidence was heard from Denis Egan, who said that Jason Behan had been informed of today’s hearing both by phone and in writing and he had confirmed that he would attend.  He said that efforts had been made to contact him by phone this morning when he had not turned up at the appointed time, but to no avail.

Conal Boyce made a number of submissions to the Committee in relation to the background to the request from the BHA to reciprocate the penalty.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee decided that it was appropriate for the hearing to go ahead as the panel was satisfied that Jason Behan had been duly notified of the hearing and that he had not indicated that he would not be attending nor had he sought an adjournment.

The Committee decided that the penalty should be reciprocated in full.  In arriving at their decision, the Committee noted that Jason Behan had not appealed the BHA’s decision nor were there any issues which arose with regard to the principles of natural justice not being followed by the BHA at the original hearing.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.