The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair), Mr. John Martin-Smith and Mr. John McGuire convened at Limerick Racecourse on Friday 27th May 2022 to consider the appeal of Mr. Michael Tobin (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at the Carbery (F) Clonakilty Point to Point fixture on 22nd May 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Springmount Stud Maiden Race for 6 Year Old’s And Upwards, the Stewards found Mr. Tobin, rider of Fourgiggles, in breach of Regulation 58.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record suspended him for one raceday.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Tobin was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Tobin and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Tobin stated he was doing his best to get his best possible placing and his horse was responding for him. He accepted that he lost count during the race and was one over the permitted limit. Mr. Tobin added that he was trying hard to ride his first winner of the season and apologised for his actions but that he was trying his best by his trainer and his owners.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body did not feel that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision of finding Mr. Tobin breach of Regulation 58.3(f) and confirmed the suspension of one Point to Point raceday.
The case was presented by Mr. Colman Sweeney, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Date: 28th May 2022