The Appeals Body, Mr Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr John Murphy and Mr Victor Connolly convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 1 May 2024 to consider the appeal of Robbie Colgan (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Gowran Park on Tuesday, 23 April 2024.

Following the running of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Colgan, rider Ribchestina, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for one raceday.

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

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

In his evidence, Mr Colgan accepted that interference had occurred, however, he explained that he momentarily lost contact when his rein slipped out of his hand, causing his mount to drift across and hang left. Mr Colgan stated that he immediately pulled his stick through into his left hand to correct his mount.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension of one raceday.

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare on behalf of Mr Colgan. The IHRB was represented by Ms Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.

Suspension Date: 8 May