J.P. O’Brien Appeal – Dundalk, 19th Nov 2010

The Appeals Body (Division Two), Mrs. J.O. Onions (in the chair), C.E. O’Sullivan and Tom Rudd met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 1st December 2010 to consider the appeal of J.P O’Brien, apprentice jockey, against the decision of the Stewards at Dundalk on 19th November 2010 when following the running of the Christmas Party Packages at Dundalk Apprentice Handicap, J.P. O’Brien was suspended for two race days as the Stewards found he had used the whip with excessive frequency.

The specific grounds of appeal lodged were that he did not use his whip with excessive frequency and further that the two day suspension imposed in all circumstances was unwarranted.

Evidence was heard from J.P. O’Brien and Edward P. Harty, Trainer, Mr. Pianist.  Videos of the race were also reviewed.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.  J.P. O’Brien was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.