The Appeals Body (Division Two), Con O’Mahony (in the Chair), M.J. Doyle and S. McDonogh, met in the Stewards Room at Listowel Racecourse on Friday, 19th September, 2014, to consider an appeal from Killian Hennessy, rider, against the decision of the Stewards at Dundalk on 7th September, 2014.  On that date the Stewards found the rider to be in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly on Hilary during the running of the Friday Horse Racing Returns 26th September Handicap and as a result was suspended for two race days.

The rider’s grounds of appeal were that the suspension was excessive and disproportionate and did not take into consideration all of the circumstances, including his exemplary record.

Evidence was heard from Killian Hennessy and a film of the race was also viewed. 

In his evidence Killian Hennessy accepted that he had ridden carelessly and outlined what had happened.  He said it was his first ever offence and apart from this incident there was nothing else on his disciplinary record even though he had in the region of 60 rides.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body reduced the penalty from two race days to one race day (Friday, 26th September) on the basis of his unblemished record.

The case was presented by Shay Quinn, Turf Club Racing Official.