Update on investigation into controversial Redwood Queen unseat at Wexford
Limerick jockey Byrnes parted company with the mare Redwood Queen at the final hurdle, who was a serious market drifter before the Claiming race, handing victory to odds-on favourite and well-backed Beacon Edge from Gordon Elliott's stable.
She traded at 1.14 (1/7) approaching the final hurdle which she appeared to jump well before Byrnes parted company, slipping off the inside and landing on his knees.
Although the on-course stewards at Wexford took no action on the day of the race, the IHRB later stated that a senior official would review the matter.
The incident has attracted a huge amount of attention all over the world - as far as Australia and the USA - and footage of the unseat has been viewed millions of times online. Afterwards she was claimed by trainer Cian Collins for €6,000.
Following the race Charles Byrnes gave his verdict on the unseat saying: "He (Philip) was trying to get the mare to go in and pop it, because obviously she had the race won, and she came up out of his hands and blew him out of the saddle. There's no one hurting more than Philip about it."
The IHRB's Head of Communications Niall Cronin confirmed the review has now commenced but was unable to give a time line for its completion.
He said: 'When conducting any review or investigation, an IHRB Senior Racing Official collaborates with and has the full support of IHRB colleagues across all departments.
'Depending on the nature of the matter, the IHRB may also engage with external service providers or stakeholders as appropriate.
'The current review into the Wexford matter is being conducted in line with our procedures.'
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