The Handicapping Appeals Body Stephen Lanigan-O’Keeffe S.C. (Chairman), Anthony Byrne and William Flood convened at the IHRB Offices on Monday the 1st October 2018 to consider the appeal of Anthony McCann, trainer of “Pushaq” in relation to the Handicappers decision to reassess the handicap mark of the horse from 60 to 73 as a result of the horse’s performance in the Kilkenny Apprentice Handicap at Gowran Park on 5th September 2018.
Mr. McCann requested a hearing of the Appeal which was granted. Mr. McCann attended accompanied by the rider Robert Downey. Mr. Garry O’Gorman and Mr. Mark Bird, IHRB Handicappers were also in attendance. The Appeals Body carefully considered the written and oral submissions of both parties and viewed footage of the race in question.
Having considered the evidence presented and the video of the race the Appeals Body is satisfied that the horse was not eased before the line and on that basis determines to reduce the mark awarded to the horse from 73 to 70. As the appeal has been allowed the deposit is returned in full.