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The Referrals Committee, Mr Justice Peter Kelly (Chair), Mr Robert Steele and Mr John Murphy convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 2 December to consider the referral of Sean McParlan (Trainer) and Mr Noel McParlan (Rider) following the William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle in Fairyhouse on 4 November 2025.
On the day, the Raceday Stewards wished to enquire into the running and riding of Scary Askari (GB), ridden by Mr N McParlan and trained by Mr S McParlan. However, as Mr McParlan had failed to appoint an Authorised Representative, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for further investigation.
At the referral hearing, a submission was made by Mr Kevin Power on behalf of Mr S McParlan and evidence was heard from Mr N McParlan. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his submissions on behalf of the Trainer, Mr Power referred to a report on the day of the race which the Raceday Stewards received from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Scary Askari was found to have a bilateral nasal discharge and to be showing signs of delayed recovery post-race. Mr Power confirmed that Scary Askari was assessed by Lagan Valley Vets on 5 November and an endoscopic examination confirmed excessive tracheal mucus which was immediately treated with antibiotics.
In his evidence, Mr McParlan explained that he rides Scary Askari at home every day and is very familiar with the horse. Mr McParlan described how his mount jumped the fourth last hurdle high and slowly, he then began to make a noise. Mr McParlan went on to explain that Scary Askari continued to make an abnormal respiratory noise each time he asked him to go forward and from previous riding experiences he felt the best way to help his mount was to hold its head up to enable better breathing. Mr McParlan said that he had the welfare of the horse at the forefront of his mind as he was getting him to finish out his race. Mr Parlan confirmed that he reported that his mount made an abrnomal noise when he returned to the Clerk of the Scales to weigh in.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied with the explanation provided and took no further action.
The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Liam Walsh Senior Stipendiary Steward. Mr McParlan was represented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors LLP.