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The Referral Committee, Mr Michael Hickey (Chair), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Michael Sheahan convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 to consider the referral of Hugh Horgan (Rider) by an IHRB Senior Racing Official following the running of the Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle in Punchestown on 30 April 2026.
On review of the race, it appeared that Mr Horgan, rider of Duke Silver, 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 Horgan. The Referrals Committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Horgan accepted he was in breach of Regulation 10. Mr Horgan outlined that he had misjudged the number of times he used his whip in the closing stages and apologised for his actions.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Horgan in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having considered Mr Horgan’s clean record in this regard, the Referrals Committee suspended him for two racedays.
The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 26, 27 May 2026