The Referrals Committee P.J. O’Connor (in the Chair), Michael Doyle and Con O’Mahony met in the Stewards Room, Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare on Sunday, 28th August 2016 to consider the referral of K.J. Manning (rider) by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, as a result of him being unavailable to be interviewed by the Stewards at Cork on 2nd August 2016. On the day the Stewards had wanted to speak to him regarding his use of the whip on Flight Risk in the closing stages of the Platinum Stakes but were unable to do so as he had left the racecourse before the winner all right signal had been given.

Evidence was heard from K.J. Manning. Film of the race was also viewed.

In his evidence K.J. Manning said he had not left the racecourse before the time permitted in Rule 229(v) and was unaware prior to leaving that he was required by the Stewards.

Regarding his use of the whip on Flight Risk, Mr Manning said that he wasn’t hard on the horse and that his mount was responding to pressure. The hits were given in the last three furlongs and on a number of occasions he had put his whip down to allow his mount time to respond.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found there was no breach of Rule with regard to either matter. In the case of the whip use, the Committee said they were giving Mr Manning the benefit of the doubt.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.  K.J. Manning was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co Kildare.