The Appeals Body (Division Two), Sean Barry (in the chair), Mrs. Valerie Cooper and Mrs. J.O. Onions met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 6th March 2015 to consider the appeal of A.P. Heskin, rider, against the decision of the Stewards at Leopardstown on 28th February 2015. On that day the Stewards held an enquiry following the running of the Mercury Engineering Handicap Chase (Grade B) and A.P Heskin was found to be breach of Rule 214 after the Stewards found that he had ridden carelessly. As a result he was suspended for two race days.

The grounds of appeal lodged were that the findings of the local Stewards were contrary to the weight of evidence and the suspension should not have been imposed.

Evidence was heard from A.P. Heskin. Film of the incident was also shown as was film of a steeplechase at Leopardstown on 8th February 2015.

In his evidence A.P. Heskin said that while he accepted there was minor interference, he was of the opinion that it did not affect the result. He said the alignment of the track was a contributory factor. He referred to his horse’s slight drift across the track and he said he grabbed a fresh hold and stopped using his stick when this occurred. He disputed evidence given by David Casey, rider of Fever Pitch, at the original enquiry where Mr Casey said that he was hampered by his horse. He said that the interference to Fever Pitch was caused by another horse, Colbert Station, coming off his racing line.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and ordered that the two raceday suspension, March 14th and 15th, originally imposed remain in place.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, stipendiary steward. A.P. Heskin was represented by Frank Ward, Frank Ward & Co., Solicitors, Dublin 7.