The Appeals Body, (Division Two), John Moloney, (in the chair), Donal Gavin and P.J. O’Connor, met in the Stewards Room, Galway Racecourse, on Wednesday, 2nd August 2017, to consider the appeal of Denis Hogan, rider, against the severity of the penalty imposed by of the Stewards at Kilbeggan on 21st July 2017.

On the day, following the running of the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Handicap Hurdle, the stewards held an enquiry into his use of the whip in the closing stages of the race and having considered the evidence, the Stewards found that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) – hitting the horse with excessive force and frequency, and Regulation 10.4 – failing to give his mount time to respond. As a result, they suspended him for three racedays.

Evidence was heard from Denis Hogan. The Stewards also considered a transcript of the original hearing and reviewed film footage of the race.

In his evidence, Denis Hogan accepted he was in breach of the relevant rules but felt that the penalty was too severe, as he had a clean record in the previous nine months which he noted is the period the Stewards take into account when imposing penalty.

The Appeals Body also considered a number of submissions from Andrew Coonan on Mr Hogan’s behalf.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body reduced the suspension from three race days to one race day (4th August 2017).

The case was presented by Hugh Hynes, stipendiary steward. Denis Hogan was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.