The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Joseph M. McGrath (in the chair), Mr. Charles C. Cunningham and Mr. Laurence McFerran convened at Dundalk Racecourse on Friday 12th March 2021 to consider the appeal of A.J. Farragher (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Dundalk on 26th February 2021.
On the day, following the running of the DundalkStadium.com Apprentice Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Farragher , rider of Never Mistabeat, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record suspended him for three racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Farragher was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Farragher and Mr. Michael Halford, Trainer. The committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Farragher outlined some previous form of the horse and that this was his first run over a 12 furlongs. He stated that on a previous run under a senior rider the horse had also hung left and right and that on this occasion he felt he had done everything in his power to keep the horse straight. Mr. Farragher said that he was trying to cajole his horse along after he had been left in front earlier than he would have liked on his first run over this distance and that he had his whip in his right hand at all times and corrected his mount when he ducked at the horse gate. He outlined that he had 139 rides last season and in the last 12 months had only been sanctioned twice for careless riding and was working hard with a Jockey Coach to improve.
In his evidence, Mr. Halford stated that he felt the decision of the Stewards on the day was harsh. He said that while he didn’t train the horse, he was aware he was a very big horse and that Adam was doing his best to keep him straight given that he is just 7st9lbs and the horse was starting to tire having been in front for some time on his first start over the distance.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that the Stewards did not err in their decision on the day and Mr. Farragher was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and they confirmed his suspension of three racedays.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael O’Donoghue, Stipendiary Steward.