The Appeals Body, Ms. Susan Ahern (Independent Chair), Mr. Robert Dore and Dr. Tom McDonogh convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday 26th April 2023 to consider the appeal of W.M. Lordan against the decision of the Stewards at Gowran Park on the 19th April 2023 to suspend him for one raceday.
On the day, following the running of the SP or Better Guaranteed with Tote Handicap, the Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Shajak, ridden by J. Kearney, Harry’s Legacy, ridden by W.M. Lordan, Molly’s Gamble ridden by M.A. Enright and Whirling Dervish ridden by D.W. O’ Connor. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found W.M. Lordan in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Lordan was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decisions.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Lordan and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Lordan stated that his mount was a difficult ride and had an awkward way of galloping. He said that his mount had rolled in and when doing so, he was of the opinion that he was clear of horses on his inside and had taken appropriate measures to avoid interference.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the Appeal and upheld the one raceday suspension imposed by the Raceday Stewards.
Suspension Date: 3rd May 2023
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.