The Referrals Committee, Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr. John Murphy and Dr. Paddy Molony convened in the Stewards Room, The Curragh Racecourse on Tuesday 6th June 2023, to consider whether Mr. Lar Byrne (Trainer) and Mr. H. D. Dunne (Rider) were in breach of any rules of racing arising from the nomination of Mr. H.D. Dunne to ride Stuntman Steve at Limerick on 26th March 2023.
The Raceday Stewards at Limerick enquired into the circumstances surrounding the request for a change of rider on Stuntman Steve in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion (Pro/Am) Flat Race as Mr. H.D. Dunne was unable to make the riding weight and Mr. Byrne had requested a change of rider to A.P. Kelly. The Raceday Stewards allowed the substitution of rider and as Mr. H.D. Dunne and Mr. Lar Byrne were not present on the day they referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for hearing.
At the hearing, the Referrals Committee heard evidence from Mr. H.D. Dunne and considered a written submission from Mr. Lar Byrne.
In his evidence, Mr. Dunne stated that he was returning from injury and had not checked his weight prior to being nominated to ride Stuntman Steve on Friday 24th March. Mr. Dunne realised on Saturday 25th March that he would not make the riding weight and could only do so by going to extreme hardship which would not be of benefit to his mount as Mr. Dunne would not have been capable of riding to his full ability. Mr. Dunne further stated that if he had been aware that the request for a substitution of rider would necessitate a Raceday Stewards’ Enquiry, he would have made every effort to ride Stuntman Steve. Mr. Dunne accepted full responsibility and acknowledged that he was not fully aware of the procedures for the substitution of riders.
In his written submission, Mr. Lar Byrne confirmed that he became aware on Saturday 25th March that Mr. Dunne would not make the riding weight and that he requested a change of rider on Saturday 25th March by emailing his request to the IHRB Clerk of the Scales.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were of the opinion that Mr. Lar Byrne and Mr. H.D. Dunne were in breach of Rule 195 (i) and Regulation 3.4 in that Mr. Dunne’s availability to ride at the correct weight had not been confirmed. Having considered their records in this regard and mitigating circumstances, the Referrals Committee cautioned Mr. Lar Byrne on this occasion and imposed a fine of €150 on Mr. H.D. Dunne.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
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