The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chair), Mr Jack Rearden and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 to consider the appeal of Cian MacRedmond (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on Friday, 23 February 2024.

Following the running of the Put The Fun In Fundraising Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr MacRedmond, rider of Hightimeyouwon (GB), in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr MacRedmond. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr MacRedmond explained that while waving his whip it made unintentional marginal contact with his mount causing him to go one strike over the limit. Mr MacRedmond stated that his riding style is to wave the whip twice before each strike and he was unaware that he had made contact with his mount. Mr MacRedmond also added that it wasn’t intended and it made very minimal contact.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sanction imposed on the day by the Raceday Stewards.

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare on behalf of Mr MacRedmond. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing Legal and Compliance.

Suspension Dates: 8, 15, 18 and 22 March