The Referrals Committee, Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Dr. Tom McDonogh and Mr. John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 15th June 2023 to consider the referral of S.P. Bird, Cillian McConnell, Adam Caffrey and C. Geerdharry (Riders) by the Raceday Stewards at Gowran Park on Monday, 5th June 2023.
Following the running of the Good Enuf To Eat Apprentice Handicap, the Raceday Stewards wished to enquire into an incident on the first bend. As Cillian McConnell had left the Racecourse the incident was referred to the Referrals Committee.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Bird, rider of Harbanaker, Mr. McConnell, rider of Together Acclaim, Mr. Caffrey, rider of Soyonique and Mr. Geerdharry, rider of Lauroline. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
Mr. Bird stated that his mount was slowly away from stalls so he took his time and got onto the rails. Mr. Bird stated that he intended to follow the field and as he was approaching the first bend, there was a domino effect in front of him causing Mr. McConnell to come back onto his ground. Mr. Bird further stated that he took a pull and got tight for room.
Mr. McConnell stated that having jumped out, his mount was not travelling well early on so he took his time and followed Mr. Caffrey’s mount into the first bend. Mr. McConnell stated that he had a nice position when Mr. Caffrey was forced back onto his ground and he got squeezed and tight for room for about ten strides.
Mr. Caffrey stated that his mount jumped well from stalls and had a nice position going into the first bend when he received pressure from his outside, he was forced to take a check and he was knocked back down the field causing interference to the horses and riders on his inside.
Mr. Geerdharry stated that his mount jumped off well and was going forward. On approaching the first bend, Mr. Geerdharry stated that a horse on his outside was coming onto his ground and he was forced to check off heels.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion that while interference had occurred, they were unable to apportion blame to any rider in particular and they therefore took no further action.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.