The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. N.B. Wachman convened at the Offices on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 to consider the appeal of Mr. Barry O’Neill (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Navan on 22nd January 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Slane (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race, the Stewards found Mr. O’Neill, rider of Joyeux Machin (FR), in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. O’Neill was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. O’Neill and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. O’Neill stated that Mr. Patrick Mullins was making the running in the race on Don Chalant and he was following Mr. Mullins who went wide to the outside wings on turning into the straight. He said that it was clear that Mr. Mullins was seeking the best of the ground but it was unclear if he was going to go left or right. Mr. O’Neill added that his mount was travelling strongly up the straight and he was going to go to the outside of Mr. Mullins but then Mr. Mullins went wide again towards the chase track and he had to switch Joyeux Machin (FR) back inside. However, it was in his view, Mr. David Roche on Tag Man moved across first to keep Mr. O’Neill and Joyeux Machin (FR) blocked in and prevent him from taking the gap, at which point there was contact was made between Joyeux Machin (FR) and Tag Man. Mr. O’Neill said it was his opinion Mr. Roche had moved off his racing line in the first instance.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body did not feel that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision of finding Mr. O’Neill in breach of Rule 214, however they were satisfied that there were mitigating factors and reduced the suspension imposed to two racedays.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor and Mr. O'Neill was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare.
Suspension Dates: 9th and 10th February