The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chair), Mr Jack Rearden and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 to consider the appeal of Brian Hayes (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Punchestown on Wednesday, 21 February 2024.

Following the running of the Best Odds Guaranteed At Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle , the Raceday Stewards found Mr Hayes, rider of Milo Lises (FR) in breach of Regulation 10.3(h) in that he had used his whip with his arm being or appearing to be above shoulder height. Having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr Hayes for four racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Hayes was against the severity of the sanction imposed.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Hayes. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Hayes explained that he is an experienced jockey who has never been in breach of this particular offence before, he expressed that he felt the penalty was harsh taking his record into account. Mr Hayes also stated that, in his opinion, the action of his arm does not stand out when viewing the race.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body confirmed the breach of Regulation 10.3(h) but reduced the suspension imposed to two racedays due to mitigating factors.

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare, on behalf of Mr Hayes. The IHRB was represented by Ms Clíodhna Guy, Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.

Suspension Dates: 9 and 10  March