Philip Byrnes cleared of deliberately falling off horse

The eight-month investigation into Philip Byrnes' unseat from Redwood Queen has concluded and the case against the rider has been dismissed, Racing TV can reveal.

The conclusion to the case comes nearly seven weeks after dual Grand National-winning rider Leighton Aspell said he believed Byrnes' departure from the mare at Wexford in May was a "deliberate act" in evidence presented at an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board referrals committee hearing, at which legendary former rider Davy Russell gave evidence to support Byrnes.

The IHRB had alleged that the jockey did not fulfil his obligation to allow his mount to run on its merits due to deliberately leaving the saddle at the final hurdle at Wexford on May 28. 

The mare's trainer at the time, Charles Byrnes, had said that neither he nor his son Philip had anything to answer for and blamed the IHRB's investigation on the authorities feeling the need to "please these faceless people on social media".

Although the race-day stewards took no action against Byrnes on the day, the IHRB said the following morning that it would review the incident. It announced in October that Charles and Philip Byrnes were scheduled to appear before a referrals committee, which took place in mid-December.

At the referrals hearing, evidence was heard from eight witnesses, as well as legal submissions and replays of the race from various angles. Equestrian John Watson and Russell gave evidence in support of Philip Byrnes. Watson said Byrnes was "out of alignment with the horse", but "was determined (and) made a good effort" to maintain the partnership.

Russell "disagreed wholeheartedly" with the view Byrnes had come off the horse deliberately, blaming "indecision from the rider". It was, said Russell, an "unwritten rule (as a rider that you) don't bail out".

Asked how he parted ways with Redwood Queen, Byrnes said: “I went to the last… got a bit short at it. Just miscommunication between horse and rider. She came up underneath me, caught me on the backside, and I came off.”

When questioned what effort he made to stay on board he said: “Once I got that bump the balance is gone, like. Next thing I knew I was on the floor. So, that’s how it went.”

The report said: “The obligation is on the IHRB to satisfy us by evidence that the fall in question was deliberate if it is to succeed with this complaint.

“We have come to the conclusion that it has not discharged that burden of proof. In so concluding we have had regard primarily to the video and photographic evidence and our assessment of the evidence given to us by the jockey. We have not had to have much reliance on the evidence given by the experts.

“What is clear to us is that as a result of the way the horse jumped the hurdle, she bumped the backside of the jockey, sending him over so slightly to the left which resulted in him losing the right stirrup in the first instance followed by the left and he was duly unseated from the horse. We do not believe that this was a deliberate act on his part. He was fortunate in the way in which he landed and that he suffered no injuries.

“We are unable to identify any motivation to justify him deliberately dismounting from the horse. Had the fall been deliberate, we believe the jockey would be fully aware of the embarrassment that that would be to him, and the consequences for his reputation as a jockey. We also dismiss any suggestion that betting or betting patterns formed a motivation for the fall.”

In conclusion, the report said: “The IHRB complaint of deliberate conduct on the part of the jockey is not made out. We are of opinion that what occurred on this occasion was an example of poor horsemanship on the part of the jockey, consistent with his pre-existing poor falls record.

“In our opinion on the occasion in question the jockey’s position of instability stemmed from an exuberant jump by the horse, resulting in the loss of both irons consecutively. His effort to remain on board by holding onto the reins and neck strap was unsuccessful.”

Byrnes’ father and trainer Charles was charged over the following statement given to the Irish Field as it could have undermined the investigation: “It’s a sad day if the Turf Club has to hold an investigation to please the faceless people on social media. We will answer any questions they have. We have nothing to answer to.”

This charge was also dismissed.