The Appeals Body (Division Two), Peter Reynolds (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met in the Stewards Room, Naas Racecourse, Co. Kildare on Sunday 23rd February 2014 to consider an appeal from Bryan Cooper, rider, against the decision of the Stewards at Leopardstown on 9th February 2014.  On that date the Stewards found that he was in breach of Rule 214 as he had ridden carelessly during the running of the Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Steeplechase. As a result he was suspended for six race days.

His grounds of appeal were that he did not ride carelessly, and bearing in mind his exemplary record, the penalty imposed of six days was excessive.

Evidence was heard from Bryan Cooper.  The Appeals Body also considered the transcript of the evidence given at the original hearing and viewed film of the race.

In his evidence Bryan Cooper accepted that there was interference at the last fence caused by his horse Don Cossack drifting left.  He stated that he had not expected his horse to do this as he had not jumped left during the earlier part of the race.  He also said he did not have enough time to take corrective action.  He accepted that it was his horse’s maneuver which was responsible for Tony McCoy being unseated from Carlingford Lough.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body confirmed the finding of careless riding.  They reduced the penalty imposed from six race days to five race days (February, 27th, March 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th).

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.  Bryan Cooper was represented by Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.