The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. Laurence McFerran convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday, 6th January 2023 to consider the referral of Tom Kelly, Ben Kennedy and Conor Maxwell (Riders) following an incident in the ClonmelRaces.ie Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel on 29th September 2022.
On the day, the Raceday Stewards wished to enquire into the fall of Musical Melody, ridden by Mr. Kelly, on the run down the hill but were unable to do so as the rider was receiving medical attention.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Maxwell and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Kelly stated that the field got tight coming down the hill and he attempted to take his mount back but was unable to do so in time and clipped a heel which resulted in the fall.
In his evidence, Mr. Maxwell said that his mount, Stealing Kisses, was travelling well throughout the race but was starting to come under pressure a small bit coming down the hill when he felt he got a slight bump from Cassidy’s Girl, ridden by Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Maxwell added that he was unaware that Mr. Kelly’s mount had fallen until after race.
In his evidence, Mr. Kennedy said that he was upsides Mr. Maxwell for most of the race and that he had held his line coming down the hill. He stated that his mount was leaning in slightly and he corrected her as soon as he could.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that no blame could be apportioned to any rider and took no further action.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.