The Referrals Committee, Mr. Noel McCaffrey (Chair), Mr. Finbar Cahill and Mr. Jack Reardan, convened at the Stewards Room in the Curragh Racecourse on Wednesday 24^th May 2023 to review the decision of the Raceday Stewards in Kilbeggan on the 12^th May 2023 not to find Rachael Blackmore in breach of Rule 212A.

On the day, following the running of the Moyvore Whiskey Vault Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards enquired into the riding of Lady Rita by Ms. Blackmore under the provisions of Rule 212 where it appeared that she eased the horse after passing the winning post with a circuit to go. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards considered that a breach of Rule 212A may have occurred but stated that they could not be certain that her misjudgement, if any, had caused her to fail to obtain her best possible placing and therefore took no further action. 

The IHRB investigated the decision and submitted the investigation for consideration by the Referrals Committee under the provisions of Rule 27(vii). It was the position of the IHRB that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day in not finding a breach of Rule 212A following their enquiry into the race.

At the hearing Ms. Blackmore confirmed her evidence as per the transcript of the enquiry and the Committee also watched a recording of the race.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day in not finding a breach and found Ms. Blackmore in breach of Rule 212A(iv). Having considered her record and the penalty guidelines in relation to the Rule, they imposed a five-day suspension and ordered the riding fee to be forfeited. They reminded Ms. Blackmore of her responsibilities in relation to enquiries and noted that more clarity on the day at the enquiry would have assisted the Raceday Stewards who considered the matter.

Suspension Dates: 31^st May, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th June.

The IHRB was represented by Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Legal, Licensing and Compliance, and Mr. Liam Walsh, Senior Stipendiary Steward.