C.D. Hayes Appeal – Navan, 5th October 2011

The Appeals Body (Division Two), Myles O’Malley (in the Chair), Laurence McFerran and Valerie Cooper met at the Stewards Room, Navan Racecourse, Co. Meath on 19th October 2011 to consider an appeal from C.D. Hayes, rider, against the severity of the ban imposed by the Stewards at Navan on 5th October 2011 when following the running of the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden he was suspended for four race days for careless riding.

Evidence was heard from C.D. Hayes who accepted that he had ridden carelessly.  However, he felt that the penalty was too severe for what occurred.

Evidence was also heard from Dave Keena (Authorised Riders Agent - C.D. Hayes) who gave details of penalties which had been issued for similar offences.  He submitted that the penalty given was severe relative to penalties issued to other riders who had a similar disciplinary record to C.D. Hayes.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body reduced the suspension from four race days to three race days (October 21st, 28th and 30th).

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.