The Appeals Body, Mr. Peter Allen (in the chair), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Laurence McFerran convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 19th June 2023 to consider the appeal of Jake Coen (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Leopardstown on Thursday, 8th June 2023.
Following the running of the Wild Youth Apprentice Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Coen, rider of Last Ammo, 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. Coen was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Coen. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Coen stated that having jumped from the starting stalls he asked his mount to go forward and they stayed straight beyond the marker poles. Mr. Coen explained that he then cautiously made his way to the rails and was in a position “two off the rails” before interference occurred. Mr. Coen stated that in his opinion he did not cause the interference.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were of the opinion that while interference had occurred, they were unable to apportion blame to any rider in particular and they therefore allowed the appeal.
Mr. Coen represented himself in the appeal hearing. The IHRB was represented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.