The Appeals Body (Division 2), Robert Dore (in the chair), John Murphy and Joseph M. McGrath met in the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Thursday, 6th September, 2018 to consider the Appeal of Roger Loughran (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Kilbeggan on 24th August, 2018.
On the day, following the running of The Michael Moore Car Sales Mercedes Benz Beginners Steeplechase, the Stewards interviewed Roger Loughran, rider of “Dont Stop”, concerning his use of the whip after the third last fence. Having considered the evidence from the rider concerned and viewed a recording of the race, the Stewards were of the opinion that Roger Loughran was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (b), as he was found guilty of the unnecessary hitting of his horse after its chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Roger Loughran was that whilst he accepts he struck the horse twice after the third last fence with his whip, they were not unnecessary as he did it for safety reasons.
Evidence was heard from Roger Loughran. The Appeals Body also considered a transcript of the original evidence and viewed a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Roger Loughran outlined what occurred at the start of the race and during the race. He said his mount was reluctant to line up and repeatedly moved away from the starting tape towards the stableyard, delaying the start by over a minute. During the race, he began getting detached down the back and he had used his whip twice as his mount hit the third last fence and had begun to hang towards the stableyard, which is located in that vicinity. He felt the horse was in danger of running out at the next fence, which is closer to the stableyard, and his instructions were to get his mount to finish if at all possible.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.
The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Head of Raceday Operations.