THE Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board says its review of Tony Martin’s actions at Newcastle last weekend is ongoing.

Martin, who is currently serving a three-month suspension, has apologised for playing a prominent role in celebrations following the success of Alphonse Le Grande in the Northumberland Vase. Formerly trained by Martin, the horse is now officially trained by Martin’s sister, Cathy O’Leary.

In post-race interviews with connections it was suggested that Martin had given the riding instructions to winning jockey Hollie Doyle and would also decide future running plans.

That sparked fevered commentary surrounding the effectiveness and credibility of the suspension, even though it is not thought that Martin broke any rules by being there.

On Monday the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board said that it will be “examining the conduct” of Martin at Newcastle. The regulatory body said it was also in communication with the British Horseracing Authority.

On Tuesday morning Martin issued a statement as follows: “I went to Newcastle with the owners of the horse by way of showing some support as they had been good enough to give the horse to Cathy while I served my suspension. In the aftermath of the horse winning I didn’t distance myself from the celebrations which I should have done. I regret my actions and apologise for them and it was not my intention to flaunt my suspension so for any offence caused I offer my heartfelt apologies. I did speak to Hollie Doyle by phone on Saturday as she had previous experience of the horse and the horse had been under my care for some time so I felt any help I could lend would help the horse’s chances. I greatly regret how the whole situation unfolded and I offer my sincere apologies to everyone.”

Asked on Friday if the matter was now closed, an IHRB spokesperson said there was no change to the situation.

The full IHRB statement issued on Monday said: “An IHRB Appeals Body directed that Mr A.J. Martin’s trainer’s licence be withdrawn for a period of three months to commence on 15 May 2024. Following an unsuccessful application by Mr Martin to seek a Judicial Review, the commencement date was moved to 16 May 2024. For the duration of the withdrawal of Mr Martin’s licence, he is not permitted to make entries or act in the capacity of a trainer.

“The IHRB is liaising with the BHA in relation to Mr Martin’s conduct at a fixture regulated by them on Saturday. It is for the BHA to establish whether there has been a rule breach in their jurisdiction, while the IHRB will be examining the conduct in the context of the Irish Rules of Racing.”