THE Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has decided that Patrick Mullins should not be given any penalties arising from comments he made in the aftermath of the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick over Christmas.

Mullins won the race on Gaelic Warrior, with stable companion Il Etait Temps finishing second under Danny Mullins. The two horses had come together at the second last fence.

After the race, Mullins said he “told Danny there will be a gap on my inside going to the second-last and not to go for it. He didn’t listen to me. Luckily, he didn’t get the two of us beaten”.

The comment was interpreted by some as evidence of attempted team tactics but Mullins later explained that, as Gaelic Warrior has a tendency to jump to his right, he felt it was helpful to warn Danny Mullins of the risk in challenging on that side. Writing in the Racing Post, Patrick Mullins said: "I’m allowed to say what I said to Danny or any other jockey, as are opposing football players in a tunnel before a match. Danny is entitled to ignore me."

On Friday the IHRB said it had “investigated thoroughly” the matter which included a formal interview with Patrick Mullins.

During the interview with senior racing officials, Mullins conceded that he hadn’t expressed himself appropriately in his comments on Racing TV immediately after the race, which may have incorrectly fuelled some of the subsequent speculation and comment. He apologised for his conduct on the day, which he accepted was not as it should have been, and gave an undertaking that the conduct in question would not be repeated.

The IHRB was also satisfied that any suggestion of “team tactics” was not supported by the evidence.

After both horses passed the post, Patrick Mullins could be seen remonstrating with Danny Mullins. The IHRB “concluded that this conduct does not reach the threshold of seriousness to warrant a hearing before a Referrals Committee under Rule 272. Following the interview and in light of Mr Mullins’s apology and undertaking, the IHRB formally reminded Mr Mullins of his obligations under Rules to ensure his comments and actions do not bring Irish racing into disrepute, and will not be taking further action in respect of this matter.”