The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Sean Barry and Mr. Joseph M. McGrath convened at the Offices of the IHRB, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday 11th December 2019 to consider the appeal of D.G. Hogan (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Thurles on 28th November 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards interviewed D.G. Hogan, rider of Mossy White, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards on the day were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) (frequency) and having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended Mr. Hogan for six racedays.
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Mr. Hogan was that he had not used excessive frequency.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Hogan. The Appeals Body also viewed footage of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Hogan outlined the characteristics of his mount, Mossy White, and suggested that he was a tricky horse to ride and that he was trying to refrain from using his whip until as late as possible in this race. Mr. Hogan accepted that he had used his whip on at least 10 occasions with his hand off the reins but suggested that he had flicked his whip on his boot and lead bag between the second last and last hurdle and only used his whip in his normal manner after the last hurdle.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the decision of the Stewards on the day to suspend Mr. Hogan for six race days.
A submission was made by Mr. Andrew Coonan, solicitor, representing Mr. Hogan, regarding his deposit and it was ordered by the Appeals Body that €250 be returned.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance. Mr. Hogan was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co Kildare.
Suspension dates: 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 26th and 27th December.