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The Referrals Committee, Mr N B Wachman (Chairperson), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 2 September 2025 to consider the referral by a Senior Racing Official of Mr Kevin Healy (Rider) following the McDermott Farm Machinery Handicap Hurdle at Sligo on 20 August 2025.
On review of the race, it appeared that Mr Healy, rider of Mr Dibbs, may have been in breach of Regulation 10 regarding his use of the whip in the closing stages of the race.
At the referral hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Healy. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Healy stated that he had used his whip for corrective purposes as his mount had received a bump in the closing stages of the race. However, Mr Healy did accept he was in breach of Regulation 10.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Healy in breach of Regulation 10(3)(g), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having considered Mr Healy’s record in this regard, the Referrals Committee suspended him for three racedays.
The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.
Suspension Dates: 19, 20 and 21 September