The Referrals Committee, Mr. Laurence McFerran (in the chair), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday 13th October 2022 to consider the referral of Ronan Whelan (Rider) by the Stewards at Dundalk on 7th October 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden, the Stewards wished to interview Mr. Whelan, rider of Brighter London, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the race. As Mr. Whelan had left the track and was unavailable at a later time when sought for this enquiry, the matter was referred to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Whelan and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Whelan stated that his mount was green and did run around a little up the straight but accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Whelan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Referrals Committee suspended Mr. Whelan for one raceday.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
Suspension Date: 26th October