The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Marcus Magnier and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 6 August 2024 to consider the appeal of Conor Stone-Walsh (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Wexford on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.

On the day, following the running of the www.wexfordraces.ie Beginners Chase, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Stone-Walsh, rider of Secrecies Of Stone, in breach of Rule 212(a)(iv) in that he eased his mount without good reason causing him to lose out on a better finishing position. Having taken his record into account, they suspended him for four racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Stone-Walsh and the panel considered a written submission from Mr Paul Nolan, Trainer of Secrecies Of Stone.

The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In this submission, Mr Nolan stated that both himself and the owners of Secrecies Of Stone were happy with the ride given by Mr Stone-Walsh in the race in question.

In his evidence, Mr Stone-Walsh explained it was his mount’s first run over fences on testing ground and the animal usually preforms better on good ground. Mr Stone-Walsh stated that he felt he had good reason to ease his mount as the animal was very tired and had nothing more to give. Mr Stone-Walsh did however, accept that he had not dismounted after the winning post and had cantered back to the parade ring and further accepted that he had not informed the Clerk of the Scales that he eased his mount before the line.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the original penalty of four racedays and Mr Stone-Walsh to forfeit his riding fee.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Stone-Walsh. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.

Suspension Dates: 8, 9, 10 and 11 August 2024