Image © Healy Racing
The INHSC Stewards report from Muskerry (F) Ballindenisk, East Galway (F) & Muskerry (F) Dawstown on 5th & 6th May.
IHRB Muskerry (F) Dawstown Point to Point Meeting Monday 6th May 2024
The Acting Stewards interviewed Mr R. James, rider of Conman John, placed third, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the 4yo Geldings Maiden - Division 1.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 58. 3.(h) in that he had used the whip with his arm being or appearing to be above shoulder height.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Acting Stewards suspended Mr R. James for one Point to Point raceday.
The Acting Stewards interviewed Mr E.P. O'Brien, rider, following a report that he had ridden in two races at this meeting, despite the fact that he was on record as being suspended to ride on today's date.
Mr O'Brien stated that he had received a three day suspension when riding at Limerick racecourse on 11th April, following which he admitted that he had received an email from the IHRB to confirm the dates he was suspended to ride, which included today's date.
He further stated that the initial two days of his suspension were on the 25th and 26th April which was ten days prior to today's meeting.
He apologised to the Acting Stewards and stated that this was a genuine oversight on his behalf and stated he would not ride any further at this meeting. Having considered the evidence and having noted that Mr O'Brien had undertaken not to ride any further at this meeting, the Acting Stewards referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.
Muskerry (F) Ballindenisk Point to Point Meeting Sunday 5th May 2024
Following the running of this race, the Acting Stewards enquired into the weighing in of Mr J.W. Hendrick, rider of Roaring Conquest, placed third, following a report that the rider's lead cloth had become detached and fallen to the ground during the running of the 5yo Geldings Maiden - Division 1.
Evidence was heard from Mr Hendrick. Mrs Frances Tyner, Clerk of the Scales, confirmed to an IHRB Stewards Secretary that Mr Hendrick had drawn the correct weight on weighing in after the race. In his evidence, Mr Hendrick stated that upon dismounting, he realised that his lead cloth was missing from his riding equipment.
He stated that when he returned to the weighroom prior to weighing in, he noticed his lead cloth on a chair. He added that he panicked at this point, picked up the lead cloth and included it in his riding equipment when weighing in so he could draw the correct weight. He further added that the lead cloth weighed approximately 4Ibs to 5Ibs.
In summary, Mr Hendrick admitted that in such circumstances, he should not have added his lead cloth in his riding equipment when weighing in and apologised to the Acting Stewards for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race which showed the lead cloth becoming detached from Roaring Conquest and falling to the ground before the second last fence, and considered all the evidence presented, the Acting Stewards in accordance with Regulation 41 disqualified Roaring Conquest and ordered the result to be amended as follows:
First: Coumeenoole
Second: Millforce
Third: Bobs Dream
Furthermore, the Acting Stewards were of the opinion that Mr J.W. Hendrick was in breach of Rule 272 in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the good reputation of horseracing and had misled an Official involved with the administration of the control of racing, and suspended Mr Hendrick for 5 Point to Point racedays. In arriving at their decision, the Acting Stewards took into account the honesty and accuracy of the rider's evidence, in addition to the apology which Mr Hendrick had offered during the course of this enquiry.
East Galway (F) Point to Point Meeting Sunday 5th May 2024
The Acting Stewards interviewed Mr Sean Staples, rider of Sir Gauzy, placed first, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of the 5yo Geldings Maiden.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the relevant Regulation and apologised for his actions.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Acting Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 58. 3.(g) in that he had used the whip with excessive frequency and Regulation 58. 3.(i) in that he had used the whip without allowing his mount at least three strides to respond.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Acting Stewards suspended Mr Sean Staples for two Point to Point racedays.
