The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Nick Wachman, (in the chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Michael Hillman convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Friday, 5th July 2019 to consider the Appeal of D.E. Mullins (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Downpatrick on 16th June 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Killultagh Estates Maiden Hurdle, the Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the second hurdle involving Benefit Run, ridden by L.P. Dempsey, Danjaman, ridden by Sarah Kavanagh, Poker D'ainay (FR), ridden by P. Townend and Shantou City, ridden by D.E. Mullins, where it appeared that Danjaman ran short of room on the rails and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.E. Mullins was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard suspended him for 2 racedays.
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Mr. Mullins was that he was not in breach of Rule 214.
The Appeals Body viewed a recording of the race and evidence was heard from Ms. Kavanagh (by phone) and Mr. Mullins.
In her evidence Ms. Kavanagh stated that approaching the running rail where the incident was alleged to have occurred, she shouted at Mr. Mullins for room but got squeezed and suffered interference. She added that at no point did she feel she was on the wrong racing line.
Mr. Mullins stated that he maintained a straight line on the approach to the second hurdle and that after jumping the hurdle he kept to a straight racing line and never came off that line to interfere with Ms Kavanagh. He suggested that the lay-out of the island hurdle had caused Ms. Kavanagh’s mount to run short of room and check.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found that there was not enough evidence to say that Mr. Mullins was in breach of Rule 214 and therefore allowed the Appeal and ordered that Mr. Mullins’ deposit be returned.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.