The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Raymond Groarke (in the chair), Mr. N.B. Wachman and Mr. Anthony Byrne, convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on 8th November 2021 to consider the improvement in form of Call Me Freddie (GB), who was placed first in Division 2 of the Mallow Handicap Hurdle at Cork on 8th May 2021.
On the day, an enquiry was held to consider the improvement of form of Call Me Freddie (GB) and having considered the evidence provided at this enquiry, the Stewards on the day referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for further consideration.
The Referrals Committee considered the details of the Stewards Enquiry transcript on the day and a report from Mr. Andrew Shaw (IHRB National Hunt Handicapper) and Mr. Chris Gordon (IHRB Head of Security).
Mr. Shaw observed that the result was a significant improvement in form for Call Me Freddie (GB). However, considering the quality of the race, the ground conditions in favour of Call Me Freddie (GB) and despite the late change of rider, there were no issues arising from a handicapping point of view.
Mr. Gordon furnished a detailed report regarding betting patterns around this race and observed that following consultation with a number of major bookmakers that there were no betting patterns of concern.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted the explanations offered by Mr. Curling at the Stewards Enquiry and the reports given by Mr. Shaw and Mr. Gordon and took no further action.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.