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D.E. Mullins (Rider) – Appeal – Thurles, 21st March, 2020

D.E. Mullins (Rider) – Appeal – Thurles, 21st March, 2020

The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, (in the chair), Mr. Donal Gavin and Mr. John Martin-Smith convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Friday, 12th June 2020 to consider the Appeal of D.E. Mullins (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Thurles on 21st March 2020.
 
On the day, following the running of the Horse and Jockey Beginners Chase, the Stewards found Mr. Mullins, rider of Max Dynamite, to be in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly in an incident involving Chesterfield King, ridden by L.P. Dempsey and suspended him for four racedays.
 
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Mr. Mullins was that he did not ride improperly.
 
Evidence at the Appeal Hearing was heard from Mr. Mullins and Mr. Dempsey. The Appeals Body also viewed a recording of the race and photographic evidence provided by Mr. Mullins.
 
In his evidence, Mr. Mullins stated that the Stewards on the day were hindered by the lack of photographic evidence which showed the track lay-out of the back straight where the incident took place. He added that he maintained the same racing line between the last fence in the back straight and the point of the running rail at which the incident took place. He accepted there was room on his inside but felt there was not enough room for a horse.
 
In his evidence, Mr. Dempsey stated that he raced on the inside line throughout the race and that he had enough room to move up the inside of Max Dynamite and was entitled to do so. He added that he shouted at Mr. Mullins to alert him that he was there and it was his opinion that Mr. Mullins was well aware he was about to cause interference.
 
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were of the opinion that serious interference did occur and Mr Mullins was in breach of Rule 214 and they dismissed the appeal. They confirmed the decision of the Stewards on the day to impose a suspension of four racedays, and ordered that his deposit be forfeited.
 
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance, and Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward. Mr. Mullins was represented by Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co Kildare.
 
 
Suspension Dates: 22nd, 24th, 26th and 29th June
 


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