The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Joseph M. McGrath (in the chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. N.B. Wachman convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday 14th July 2021 to consider the appeal of Jordan Gainford (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Downpatrick on 12th June 2021.
On the day, following the running of the Toals Bookmakers Opportunity Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Gainford, rider of Shiroccoville, in breach Rule 208(iii)(a) and (b) and Rule 208(v) in that he had failed to obey the Starters’ instructions and suspended him for three racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Gainford were that he had attempted to obey the instructions of the Starter.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Gainford and the committee also watched a recording of the start of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Gainford outlined that on the way to the start his mount was very keen and when the runners were in the starting area his mount tended to be somewhat unruly. He added that his instructions were to place the horse in mid-division of the race. As a result, he had not wanted to be handy but he had difficulty as his horse was getting excited and revved up at the start. Mr. Gainford stated that he was in no way trying to disobey the instructions of the Starter but that he was riding a difficult horse in difficult circumstances.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Mr. Gainford was in breach of Rule 208(iii)(a) and (b) and Rule 208(v) and they dismissed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward.