The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Marcus Magnier and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 6 August 2024 to consider the referral of Mr M J McGrath, Mr D M Fitzgerald, Mr D O’Connor and Mr C J Shine by the Raceday Stewards at Tramore on Monday 22 April 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Gaultier Hunters Steeplechase, the Raceday Stewards wished to enquire into an incident on the bend coming out of the back straight, however, as Mr O'Connor was unable to attend this enquiry due to being medically attended to following a fall, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.

At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr M J McGrath, rider of Ballinrea, Mr D M Fitzgerald, rider of Carrig Wells, Mr D O’Connor, rider of Dromleigh and Mr C J Shine, rider of Tuff Days. The committee also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr McGrath explained that he didn’t have enough speed to keep his position having received pressure from his outside and as a consequence tightened the horse on his inner.

In his evidence, Mr Fitzgerald stated that he kept a straight line and did not contribute to the incident.

In his evidence, Mr Shine explained that his mount hit a flat spot on the point of the bend and he suffered interference from his outside causing him to check.  

In his evidence, Mr O’Connor accepted that he was responsible for the incident by riding a tight line on the point of the bend and apologised for his misjudgement.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr O’Connor in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard and in accordance with the guidelines at the time, they suspended him for one raceday.

The case was presented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.

Suspension Date: 11 August