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The Referrals Committee, Mr Martin O’Donnell (Chair), Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday 11 August to consider the referral of Patrick O’Brien (Rider) following the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase at Galway on 31 July 2026.
On the day, the Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders’ first approach to the start of this race, where it appeared that all riders were cantering forward before the Starter had raised his flag. The Raceday Stewards wished to interview Mr O’Brien, rider of Baltic Bird (GB), however he was unavailable and the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for consideration.
At the referral hearing, evidence was heard from Mr O’Brien. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr O’Brien explained that his instructions were to drop in half way and ride a race from there. Mr O’Brien stated that he was doing all he could to keep his horse in a trot but when he received a bump from Jalila Moriviere upsides him his horse broke into a canter for a few strides. Mr O’Brien stated he felt he did everything in his power to comply with the Starters instructions.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr O’Brien in breach of Rule 208 and suspended him for one raceday.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Date: 26 August