The Referrals Committee Mr. N.B Wachman (in the chair), Ms. Mary M. O’Connor and Mr. Philip McLernon convened at the Offices of the IHRB, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday 10^th October 2019 to consider the Referral of W.J. Lee (Rider) by the Stewards at Leopardstown on 14^th September 2019.

On the day, following the running of the Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes, the Stewards wished to interview W.J. Lee, rider of Space Traveller (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. W.J. Lee accepted that he had three or more previous breaches of Regulation 10.3 since the new whip Regulations came into effect. Having considered the rider's acceptance of his disciplinary record in relation to Regulation 10.3, the Stewards, pursuant to Regulation 10.6 referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for their consideration.

Evidence was heard from Mr. Lee. The Referrals Committee also viewed a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. Lee accepted that he had used the whip 9 times with his hand off the reins and confirmed he was familiar with the terms of Regulation 10.3. He submitted that the first two strikes had been light.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion Mr. Lee in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record and noting that this was his fifth breach of Regulation 10.3(g), they imposed a suspension of 8 days.

The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stewards Secretary, IHRB and Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Heading of Licensing, Legal & Compliance.

Suspension Dates: October 25^th, 26^th, 28^th, 30^th and November 1^st, 3^rd, 6^th and 8^th