The Appeals Body, Mr Nick Wachman (Chairman), Mr John Murphy and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 13 August to consider the appeal of Mrs Diane Flanagan, owner of Birmingham Alabama against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Wexford on Wednesday 24 July 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Visitwexford.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Birmingham Alabama, ridden by E Walsh, placed first and Gers Gigi, ridden by J W Kennedy placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Birmingham Alabama had caused interference to Gers Gigi and as a result of this interference improved its finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first and second placed horses.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mrs Diane Flanagan, owner of Birmingham Alabama, were that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from E Walsh rider of Birmingham Alabama and J W Kennedy, rider of Gers Gigi. The Committee also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Walsh explained that he was gaining ground on the approach to the last hurdle when Mr Kennedy jumped substantially out to his right and caused him to lose ground and momentum. Mr Walsh stated that he had to establish a new racing line after the last hurdle, and he felt that if both animals ran in a straight line from the last hurdle he would have won comfortably.

In his evidence, Mr Kennedy stated that on the approach to the last hurdle he could feel his mount having a look at the flight so he tried to keep her going forward and was not aware of Mr Walsh on his outside. Mr Kennedy explained that he was travelling well when he received two bumps from Birmingham Alabama and the second bump unbalanced his mount. Mr Kennedy further stated that he felt the contact was the difference in the winning margin of a nose and he was satisfied that he made every effort to keep his mount straight on the approach to the line.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Birmingham Alabama had not improved her position as a result of the interference and therefore allowed the appeal and amended the result.

Visitwexford.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle

First:               Birmingham Alabama

Second:          Gers Gigi 

Third:             Workinonadream

Fourth:           Ballinvasas Best

Fifth:              Sights Unseen 

Sixth:             Doyen Magic

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