The Appeals Body, Mr N B Wachman (Chairman), Mr Peter Reynolds and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 2 July to consider the appeal of J J Slevin (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Limerick on Thursday, 30 May 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Slevin, rider of Mill House Creek in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for eight racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Slevin was that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Slevin. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Slevin explained that on the approach to the second last hurdle, no gap opened, and therefore he moved his mount out to continue with his challenge by manoeuvring past Arctic Gale, ridden by Donagh Meyler and Drumgill, ridden by Daniel King. Mr Slevin stated that he was aware of the horses but felt he had enough room to move around them. Mr Slevin explained that when he moved out, he felt that he was at least a length clear of them and believed that he did not cause any interference.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas County Kildare on behalf of Mr Slevin. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.