The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Thomas Breen (in the chair), Ms. Mary M. O’Connor and Mr. John McStay convened at the Leopardstown Racecourse on Thursday 17th June 2022 to consider the appeal of Mr. Dylan Browne McMonagle (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Leopardstown on 9th June 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Manguard Plus Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Browne McMonagle, rider of Dazzling Spirit, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Browne McMonagle was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Browne McMonagle and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Browne McMonagle explained that a gap appeared for him and his mount, Dazzling Spirit, was running straight initially but as Heer At Down, ridden by Gary Carroll, had come from the outside, it began to get close between the runners and Dazzling Spirit began leaning left at this point. Mr. Browne McMonagle stated that he then put his whip down and straightened his mount but as he went to pull his whip through to his left hand, Dazzling Spirit stepped left towards the running rail and this all happened in a split second. Mr. Browne McMonagle said he felt he had done everything he could to keep his mount straight. He said there was some jostling from the turn in and that his mount might have been intimidated by Heer At Down joining her. Mr. Browne McMonagle did accept that Chris Hayes had to check his mount, Dr Patrick, off heels as a result of Dazzling Spirit’s move towards the rail but felt that he had done all in his power to avoid that.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Mr. Browne McMonagle was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered the evidence and taken his record into account, the Appeals Body cautioned Mr. Browne McMonagle on this occasion and ordered that he forfeit €150 of his deposit.
The case was presented by Mr. Paul Deegan, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Mr. Browne McMonagle was accompanied at the hearing by Mr. Brendan Powell, Authorised Representative for Joseph P. O’Brien, Trainer.