The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. John Powell (in the chair), Mr. Joseph M. McGrath and Mr. Philip Caffrey convened at the Offices of the IHRB, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Monday 14th October 2019 to consider the Appeal of R.A. Doyle (Rider) against the decision of the Acting Stewards at Navan on 28th September 2019.
On the day, following the running of the Bar One Racing App Maiden Hurdle the Stewards interviewed Mr. Doyle, Rider of Jon Ess, 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 found Mr. Doyle in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), for using his whip with excessive frequency, and suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Mr. Doyle were that he did not use his whip excessively and that a number of strikes of the whip were for corrective purposes.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Doyle. The Appeals Body also viewed a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Doyle confirmed that he had use the whip 11 times in total but stated that he had used the whip a number of times to ensure the horse was paying attention to the race.
Mr. Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, also made submissions on behalf of Mr. Doyle.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found that the Stewards had not erred in their decision and were of the opinion Mr. Doyle was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record and submissions made in mitigation, they imposed a suspension of one raceday. Furthermore, they ordered that his deposit be returned.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance. Mr. Doyle was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Wolfe Tone House, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Suspension Date: 16th October.