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 Carl Millar (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Downpatrick on Monday, 26 August 2024.

On the day, following the running of the C Russell Auto Sales Beginners Chase, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Millar, rider of Air Drop in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended him for 16 racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Millar was that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Millar. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Millar stated that what appeared to be his first attempt to use his whip made no contact with his mount. Mr Millar explained that when he was pushing his mount, he was attempting to move his stick from the backhand position into a forehand position, and it got caught in his boot as a result.

Having considered the evidence, The Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed by the Raceday Stewards.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare on behalf of Mr Millar. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.

Suspension Dates: 13, 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 September 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 October 2024.