The Appeals Body (Division 2), N.B. Wachman (in the Chair), John Murphy and Philip McLernon met at the Offices of the I.H.R.B., The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday 11th April 2018, to consider an appeal lodged by Mr. H.D. Dunne (Qualified Rider), following an incident on the approach to the final fence in the Maiden Race for 5-y-o mares at the Brosna (F) Point to Point Meeting on Sunday 25th March 2018. The Acting Stewards adjudged that Mr. Dunne, rider of Burn Baby Byrne (GB), originally placed first, had caused interference to Devito’s Red Robin, ridden by Mr. J.J. O’Neill, originally placed second, and was therefore in breach of the relevant section Regulation 32 of the Regulations for Point to Point Steeplechases. As a consequence of his actions, the Stewards reversed the placing of the first two horses and suspended Mr. Dunne from riding for two Point to Point race days.
The appeal lodged by Patrick Kennedy, Solicitor representing Mr. Dunne, appealed the decision of the Acting Stewards on the grounds that he was not in breach of Regulation 32 and that he made reasonable and adequate effort to ensure that his horse obtained the best possible placing and rode in a manner that did not breach Regulation 32.
Evidence was heard from H.D. Dunne and J.J. O’Neill, Qualified Riders. Evidence was also heard from Patrick Kelly, Stewards Secretary.
Having considered the evidence and viewed film of the race, the Committee found Mr. Dunne to be in breach of Regulation 32 (iv) 2 and dismissed the Appeal. They ordered the suspension of two Point to Point race days to remain (Saturday 14th April and Sunday 15th April 2018).
The case was presented to the Committee by Paul Murtagh, Head of Raceday Operations. Patrick Kennedy, Solicitor of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, represented H.D. Dunne.