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 Hayes, rider, against the decision of the Stewards at Limerick on 5th July 2015. On that date the Stewards found the rider to be in breach of Rule 213 (ii) as he had failed to report at the first instance anything which may have affected the performance of his horse “Abolitionist” in the Supermacs Dooradoyle Steeplechase, namely that his saddle had slipped during the running of the race. As a result he was suspended for two racedays.

His grounds of appeal were that he did not breach Rule 213(ii) as the fact that his saddle slipped did not affect his finishing position.

Evidence was heard from Brian Hayes. Film of the race was also reviewed.

In his evidence Brian Hayes submitted that the slipping of his saddle did not have any affect on the finishing position of his horse nor the way he rode the horse. Therefore he did not feel he was obliged to make any report. He said it slipped about 5 furlongs from the finish.

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

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