The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (Chairman), Mr. Finbar Cahilland Mr. Laurence McFerran convened via Zoom on Thursday, 30th November 2023 to consider an application from Mr. S.J.P. Baragry (Rider) to review the suspension imposed on him at an IHRB Referral Hearing on 12th January 2023.
At that hearing, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Baragry in breach of Rule 277(i) in that samples of urine taken from him during in-competition testing at the Golden Vale (F) Turtulla Point to Point fixture on 20th November 2022 was found to contain Benzoylecgonine (metabolite of cocaine). They imposed a penalty of four years suspension of his licence with a condition that the committee would consider an application to suspend the penalty from 5th December 2023 should Mr. Baragry comply with strict terms and conditions.
At the Referral Hearing to consider his application, evidence was heard from Mr. Baragry and Dr. Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Senior Medical Officer.
In his evidence, Mr. Baragry outlined his engagement with Dr. Pugh since his suspension and that he was prepared to continue that engagement if necessary. He added that he was riding out on a daily basis and that regaining his licence was an important step in his future.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee permitted Mr. Baragry to apply for his licence and confirmed they would advise the Licensing Committee that they had no objection to the granting of a new licence from 5thDecember 2023. They added that if the licence was granted by the Licensing Committee that new licence will be subject to a suspended penalty of three years for a period of three years. The suspension of the balance is on the conditions that Mr. Baragry continues his engagement with Dr. Pugh and comply to any terms and conditions that she may apply.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.