The Appeals Body, Mr Nick Wachman (Chairman), Mr Laurence McFerran and Mr Neil McGrath convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 15 October to consider the appeal of James Ryan (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at The Curragh on Saturday, 5 October 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Gormley’s Gallery Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Ryan, rider of Saturn Seven, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

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

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Ryan. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Ryan explained that his horse quickened up well and his mount dived left in the closing stages. Mr Ryan stated that he did everything in his power to correct his mount. Mr Ryan further stated that there was a strong cross wind on the day which could have contributed to his mount not reacting quickly enough to his correction.

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

The appeal was presented by Mr Ryan, accompanied by Mr Niall McCullagh, Jockey Coach to Mr Ryan. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.