The Appeals Body, Mr. M.C. Hickey (Chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. Victor Connolly convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 14th August 2023 to consider the appeal of Jack Kearney (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Galway on Thursday, 3rd August 2023.
Following the running of the Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Kearney, rider of Shigar, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Kearney was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Kearney. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Kearney explained that he was following Razdan, ridden by Robbie Colgan, throughout the race and at the point of the bend his mount lugged left and just get unbalanced, which in turn caused Luke McAteer, rider of Cheers Again to take a pull. Mr. Kearney stated that he was aware of Mr. McAteer at all times and heard him give a shout but he instantly attempted to a straighten his mount. Mr. Kearney stated that he didn’t go for a gap that wasn’t there, he was just attempting to follow Mr. Colgan and while he accepted interference did take place, it wasn’t as a result of any riding manoeuvre.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed on the day.
Mr. Kearney represented himself at the appeal hearing. The IHRB was represented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
Suspension Dates: 17th and 18th August