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The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chair), Mr Nick Wachman and Mr Michael Sheahan convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 to consider the referral of Mr Declan Queally (Rider) following the running of the Kenny Galway Peugeot Handicap Hurdle at Galway on 2 August 2026.
On the day, the Raceday Stewards considered a report from Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward regarding the conduct of Mr Queally during an exchange in the weighroom with an IHRB Racing Official. Having considered evidence from the Officials concerned in the absence of Mr Queally who had departed the racecourse the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that there was sufficient basis to refer the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.
At the referral hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Queally, Mr Joe Banahan, IHRB Starter and Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
In his evidence, Mr Ring described how he observed an exchange between Mr Queally and Mr Banahan in the weighroom while carrying out his duties as a Stipendiary Steward. Mr Ring described Mr Queally as approaching Mr Banahan in a fired up and aggressive manner regarding the start of the Kenny Galway Peugeot Handicap Hurdle. Mr Ring stated that Mr Banahan remained calm throughout the encounter which took place in front of approximately 30 people and in his opinion Mr Queally’s behaviour warranted consideration by the Raceday Stewards.
In his evidence, Mr Banahan explained that he had returned to the weighroom following the race and was in conversation with a Trainer when he was confronted from behind by Mr Queally in an aggressive tone. Mr Banahan described how Mr Queally continued to be vocal and would not afford him the opportunity to speak. Mr Banahan acknowledged that Mr Queally did not use crude language but added that he suggested moving the conversation to a more private area, however, it became apparent that Mr Queally would not engage in a civil manner.
In his evidence, Mr Queally apologised for his demeanour and raising his voice in his evidence and explained that he had returned to the weighroom annoyed as he felt he had not been afforded the opportunity to make the running at the start. Mr Queally went on to acknowledge that he shouldn’t have acted in this manner in a public area and confirmed that he did not use crude or profane language during the interaction.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Queally in breach of Rule 272(i) and (iii) as his behaviour had fallen short of what is expected of an IHRB licence holder and imposed a fine of €1,000 and advised Mr Queally that any repeat of this behaviour would lead to scrutiny of his licence.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.