The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Robert Dore (in the chair), Mr. Peter N. Reynolds and Mr. Joe Collins convened at Navan Racecourse on Saturday 10th July 2021 to consider the appeal of James Joseph Doyle (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Naas on 3rd July June 2021.
On the day, following the running of the Naas Racecourse Business Club Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Doyle, rider of Prince Of Verona, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Doyle was against the severity of the suspension imposed.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Doyle and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Doyle said that inside the final 200 yards his mount, Prince Of Verona, rolled around and made contact with the runner-up, Zola Sakura, two strides before the line. Mr. Doyle accepted that Colin Keane had to check on Zola Sakura close to the line but insisted that Prince Of Verona is a green horse who had cheek-pieces applied on the day which was just his third run in a handicap and the first time he led in a race. Mr. Doyle stated that he has always felt very fairly treated by the Stewards and that he took pride in not having any breach of dangerous, careless or improper riding on his record. He accepted the breach of careless riding in this instance but in his opinion the sanction handed down on this day was excessive. Mr. Doyle admitted that with hindsight he would have put his hand back on his reins to correct his mount after he rolled around on the first occasion.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Mr. Doyle took no steps to avoid continuing interference and that there could have been serious consequences as a result. In the circumstances the Appeals Body were of the view that sanction imposed by the Stewards on the day was appropriate and confirmed the suspension of four racedays.
The case was presented by Mr. Colman Sweeney, Stipendiary Steward.