The Appeals Body, Mr Nick Wachman (Chairman), Dr Paddy Molony and Mr Victor Connolly convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 10 September to consider the appeal of Mr Adam Lord (Owner) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Bellewstown on Tuesday, 27 August 2024.
On the day, following the running of the Ploughman Bar & Grill Handicap, the Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Royal Eagle, ridden by Mr A J Lord, placed first, and Walking On Glass, ridden by Miss A B O'Connor, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Royal Eagle had caused interference to Walking On Glass and as a result of this interference, improved its finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first and second placed horses.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Lord was that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision to reverse the placings.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Adam Lord, rider of Royal Eagle, Mr Gordon Elliott, Trainer of Royal Eagle, Miss Aine O’Connor, rider of Walking On Glass and Mr Padraig Roche, trainer of Walking On Glass. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Lord explained that he was familiar with his mount from working with her at home and that she was a tough mare. Mr Lord suggested his mount wasn’t helped by being in front for so long but from a furlong out he was confident he had the race won. Mr Lord stated that he kept a straight line up the straight and he didn’t want to be tight to the rail.
In his evidence, Mr Elliott said that he felt the best horse won the race on the day. Mr Elliott described his charge as a tough and honest horse who loves a battle and suggested if she had company earlier it would have aided her. Mr Elliott noted that Walking On Glass didn’t manage to pass Royal Eagle even after the winning post and that at no stage did he feel there was any contact between the two horses.
In her evidence, Miss O’Connor explained that she was coming to win her race when she went for a gap on the inside. Miss O’Connor then stated that she was going for the gap when Mr Lord came off his racing line and his mount bumped the shoulder of Walking On Glass which unbalanced Walking On Glass and at this point Miss O’Connor said she felt she had to switch out which cost her three lengths. Miss O’Connor stated she felt her mount was the best horse on the day but suffered costly intimidation at a vital stage.
In his evidence, Mr Roche said he felt there was interference caused by Royal Eagle which cost his horse more than the neck he was beaten by and in his opinion Walking On Glass was the best horse on the day.
Having considered the evidence, The Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the result on the day. Due to mitigating factors, the Appeals Body ordered that Mr Lord’s deposit be returned.
The Appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, County Tipperary on behalf of Mr Lord. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.