TRAINER Charles Byrnes says he and his son Philip have no case to answer following a controversial race on Wednesday at Wexford which is being reviewed by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

Philip Byrnes looked likely to win the opening claiming hurdle race at Wexford on board Redwood Queen, trained by his father, until the jockey was unseated from his mount just after they had jumped the final flight.

Redwood Queen had drifted markedly in the betting before the race and the incident at the final hurdle allowed the odds-on favourite Beacon Edge to win.

The raceday stewards reviewed a video of the race and “considered the matter” but took no further action.

However, on Thursday morning a spokesperson for the IHRB said: “We note the position of the Raceday Stewards following their review of the incident. I can confirm the matter is down for review by and IHRB Senior Racing Official.”

Speaking to The Irish Field on Friday, Charles Byrnes said he and Philip would be happy to co-operate with any investigation. Asked to explain what happened in the race, the trainer said: “The mare was running well, going down to the last. Philip has had a couple of last fence falls recently so he wanted her to go in short, pop it and make doubly sure. But she came up out of his hands, hit him on the backside and he was knocked off balance.

“He is very upset about it and won’t look at his phone. I was delighted he was able to go racing in Limerick the next day and he gave our two runners two good rides there. The other jockeys have been very supportive, to be fair to them.

“Philip is only 21 and I hope he can get over this setback. He is a good rider. He doesn’t get many outside rides but anyone who has used him has been very happy with him.”

When asked whether he would provide his own betting records on the race if requested to do so by the IHRB, Byrnes responded, “I’m not getting into the betting side of it.”

He continued: “It’s a sad day if the Turf Club has to hold an investigation to please these faceless people on social media. We will answer any questions they have. We have nothing to answer to.”

Review commenced

The IHRB review into the matter has already commenced and could lead to a Referrals Committee hearing. An IHRB spokesperson said yesterday: “The Senior Racing Official, working alongside colleagues, will gather all information and facts that are pertinent. Once all relevant information has been considered, a decision will then be made as what further action, if any, is to be taken.”

Philip Byrnes rode 20 winners in Ireland last season and his father had 22, putting both of them in the top 20 in their respective professions.

The father-and-son team combine with two runners at Listowel today, including former Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston in a maiden hurdle.