The Referrals Committee, Mr. Robert Dore (in the chair), Mr. Philip Caffrey and Mr. John Tyrrell convened at Dundalk Racecourse on Friday 8^th April 2022 to consider the referral of Mr. Noel McParlan (Rider) following the Galway Blazers Point to Point fixture held at Loughrea, County Galway on 27^th March, 2022.

On the day, following the running of the ITBA 5yo+ Mares Maiden, the Stewards wished to interview Mr. McParlan regarding his use of the whip in this race. Mr. McParlan presented himself for the enquiry, however upon being informed that the enquiry would not take place until after the following race, Mr. McParlan informed the Stewards Secretary, Mr. Frankie Fitzsimons, that he refused to remain any longer at the track. The Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official of the IHRB under Regulation 22(xiii).

At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. McParlan, Mr. Fitzsimons and the committee also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. Fitzsimons explained that there was a photo finish in the race in question (Race Three) and that the Stewards were also reviewing footage as there was going to be two enquiries following the race. Due to the time constraints, the enquiry involving Mr. McParlan was not going to be held until after Race Four but Mr. McParlan informed the Stewards that he was leaving and failed to present himself for the enquiry.

In his evidence, Mr. McParlan began by apologising for failing to remain at the track for the enquiry and the inconvenience that it caused. He said that he was disappointed to have gotten beaten in the race and this was playing on his mind and also explained that after the race he had received a phone call from his father who informed him that there was a horse at home showing signs of colic. He presented for the enquiry but was told by Mr. Fitzsimons it would not be heard until after Race Four and at that point Mr. McParlan confirmed that he said to Mr. Fitzsimons that he wouldn’t be waiting around. He accepted that he failed to offer any reason to the Stewards on the day and the incident shouldn’t have happened. In relation to his use of the whip during the race, Mr. McParlan accepted that he failed to give his mount time to respond. Mr. McParlan explained that his mount had run wide off the final bend but had got back into contention and jumped the last fence very well but it’s a short run in at this track and he was trying his best for the connections and it is not a Regulation that he was in breach of previously.

Having considered the evidence, the panel was satisfied that Mr. McParlan was in breach of Regulation 22(xv) and Rule 272(i) in that he acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing and also in breach of Regulation 58.4 in that he failed to give his mount adequate time to respond to the whip. Having considered his record in regard of all breaches, the panel suspended Mr. McParlan for three Point to Point racedays and imposed a fine of €200 for the breach of Regulation 22(xv) and Rule 272(i) and suspended him for two Point to Point racedays for the breach of Regulation 58.4. Furthermore, they also ordered that Mr. McParlan would pay €200 towards costs in accordance under the provisions of Rule 267.

The case was presented by Mr. Michael O’Donoghue, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.

Suspension Dates: 24^th, 29^th 30^th April and 1^st and 2^nd May