The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Raymond J. McSharry and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 28January to consider the appeal of Hugh Horgan (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on 14 January 2025.

On the day, following the running of the Friday Night Lights Return Dundalk Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Horgan, rider of Reclaim (GB), in breach of Regulation 10.3(i) in that he failed to give his mount time to respond and having considered him in this regard (fifth offence) they suspended him for 20 racedays.   

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Horgan were that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Horgan and Niall McCullagh, Jockey Coach. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.  

In his evidence, Mr Horgan accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(i), however stated that he felt that he needed to use his whip for corrective purposes as his mount was hanging badly to the right. Mr Horgan explained that he heard a shout as his mount drifted to his right and therefore, he had used his whip twice in quick succession for the safety of those around him. Mr Horgan added that his mount responded and ran straight to the line thereafter.

In his evidence, Mr McCullagh stated that, in his opinion, Mr Horgan had done everything in his power to straighten his mount but initially the horse did not react. Mr McCullagh outlined the measures that Mr Horgan has taken with him as a Jockey Coach.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal, holding that the Raceday Stewards had not erred in their decision and that time was not allowed to respond as required by the Rule.

The appeal was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, on behalf of Mr Horgan. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.

Suspension dates: 31 January, 7, 12, 14, 21, 28 February, 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30 March, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 April