The Referrals Committee, Mr N.B. Wachman (Chairman), Mr John Murphy and Mr. Noel McCaffrey convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 22 February 2024 to consider the referral of William P. Murphy (Trainer) and Miss M.M. McElligot (Rider) by the Raceday Stewards at Navan on Sunday, 11 February 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards enquired under Rule 212(A), into the into the running and riding of Barton Snow, ridden by Miss McElligott, and trained by Mr Murphy. However, as an Authorised Representative had not been appointed in accordance with the provisions of Rule 147, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(ii)(b).

At the Referral Hearing, the panel considered evidence from Miss McElligott and Mr Murphy. They also watched a recording of the race.

In her evidence, Miss McElligott explained that she is very familiar with this horse and has ridden him on numerous occasions. Miss McElligott stated her mount usually gives nothing once off the bridle and she was conscious of his previous record where he stops in motion as soon as he hits the front.

In his evidence, Mr Murphy confirmed the instructions given to Ms McElligott to get the horse to settle and finish out the race. Mr Murphy explained that it was a genuine oversight and he forgot that Miss McElligott,who is his usual Authorised Representative could not represent him as she was the rider of this horse.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that no further action was warranted in regard to Rule 212(A). However, the Referrals Committee did find Mr Murphy in breach of Rule 147 and imposed a fine of €130.

The case was presented by Mr. Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.