The Appeals Body, Mr Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr Nick Wachman and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 5 November to consider the appeal of Brian Hayes (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Wexford on 28 October 2024.

On the day, following the running of the RacingTV Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Hayes, rider of One Big Boum, in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his regard in this regard, they suspended him for seven racedays.

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

At the appeal hearing, submissions were heard by Mr Andrew Coonan, solicitor, on behalf of Mr Hayes. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

Submissions were made by Mr Coonan, on behalf of Mr Hayes who accepted he was in breach of Rule 214 for careless riding, and the Appeals Body having heard the submissions,  allowed the appeal relating to improper riding, and found Mr Hayes in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard, the Appeals Body suspended Mr Hayes for two racedays. The Appeals Body ordered that Mr Hayes’ deposit be returned. 

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan on behalf of Mr Hayes. The IHRB was represented by Mr Paul Deegan, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Governance and Legal.

Suspension Dates: 12 and 14 November