The Appeals Body, Mr. Justice Raymond Groarke (in the chair), Mr. Finbar Cahill and Mr. Laurence McFerran convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 20^th March 2023 to consider the appeal of Mr. James Hannon (Rider) following the decision of a Referrals Committee on Tuesday, 28^th February 2023.

On the day, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Hannon in breach of Regulation 22(xv) in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing during an altercation with Mr. M.J. O’Connor, rider of Dromleigh and suspended him for 21 Point to Point Racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Hannon was against the severity of the sanction imposed.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Hannon, rider of Dontrushslowtouch. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the incident.

In his evidence, Mr. Hannon accepted responsibility for his actions at the time but stated that it was an emotional reaction to an incident of careless riding by Mr. O’Connor at the last fence. Mr. Hannon explained that he had been riding for 23 seasons suggested that the penalty imposed on him was severe given the nature of the incident, which he described as a minor altercation. Mr. Hannon confirmed that he is good friends with Mr. O’Connor and the matter was a reaction in the heat of the moment rather than anything more sinister.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee confirmed Mr. Hannon was in breach of Regulation 22(xv) in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing. However, due to mitigating circumstances they varied the sanction to seven Point to Point Racedays.

The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor. Mr. Hannon was represented by Mr. Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, County Tipperary.

Suspension Dates: 26^th March, 1^st, 2^nd, 5^th 8^th, 9^th and 10^th April