The Appeals Body (Division Two), Con O’Mahony (in the Chair), Paddy Barry and Michael Doyle met at the Stewards room, Killarney Racecourse, Co. Kerry on Wednesday, 15th July 2015 to consider an appeal from Brian O’Connell, rider, against the severity of the penalty imposed by the Stewards at Limerick on 5th July 2015. On that date the Stewards found the rider to be in breach of Regulation 10 3(g) as he had used his whip above shoulder height on his horse “Whiskey No Ice”  in the Celebrating The 4th July Maiden Hurdle. As a result he was suspended for three racedays.

Evidence was heard from Brian O’Connell. Film of the race was also reviewed.

In his evidence Brian O’Connell accepted that he had used his whip marginally above shoulder height on the three occasions he hit the horse. However he put the whip down once he realised that his horse’s chance was gone. Mr. O’Connell said he is very conscious of the way he uses the whip and that he has been trying to modify his style. He attributed his misuse of the whip on this occasion to the fact that he was feeling unwell and said that he had to give up his other booked mounts because of this. Mr. O’Connell asked that the exceptional circumstances relating to the Rule breach be taken into account. 

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and ordered that the suspension of three racedays originally imposed should stand. 

The case was presented by Michael O’Donoghue, Stipendiary Steward.