I.J.McCarthy (Rider) Referral - Laytown, 6th Sept, 2018

The Referrals Committee, Mr. Robert Dore (in the chair), Mr. Tom McDonogh and Mr. John Murphy, met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, 3^rd October, 2018 to consider the referral of I.J. McCarthy, rider of Split the Atom following the @melbourne10racing Handicap at Laytown on 6^th September, 2018.

On the day, the Stewards enquired into I.J. McCarthy’s use of the whip, and while evidence was heard from the rider, the Stewards were unable to proceed further with the enquiry owing to difficulties with internet access. Therefore, they referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.

Evidence was heard from I.J. McCarthy and the Committee also reviewed footage of the race.

In his evidence, I.J. McCarthy confirmed the evidence given on the day of the race and accepted that he had used his whip excessively.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion I.J. McCarthy was in breach of Regulation 10 3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and imposed a two-day suspension (October 19^th and 20^th).

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Head of Raceday Operations.