The Appeals Body (Division Two), N. B. Wachman (in the Chair), C. P. Magnier and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2016, to consider the appeal of Conor Brassil, rider of Troll D’Oudairies, placed second, against the decision of the Acting Stewards at Down Royal on 17th March 2016, following the running of the Silks At Down Royal Handicap Hurdle. On that day the Stewards found Conor Brassil to be in breach of Rule 212 in that he failed to take all reasonable measures to obtain his best possible placing. The Stewards suspended him from riding for four race days and ordered the forfeiture of his riding fee.

The appeal was lodged on the grounds that he took all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing in finishing second, and while the winner was eased down, it could not be reasonably concluded that he would have won had he ridden in any other manner.

Evidence was heard from Conor Brassil, rider. Film of the race was also viewed.

In his evidence Conor Brassil stated that he had ridden the horse between the second last and final hurdle without making any great impression on the winner who was always cantering. Having jumped the final hurdle his horse stumbled almost unseating him and momentarily lost momentum. From thereon he rode his mount out to the finishing line and obtained the best possible placing.

Having considered the evidence and viewed the film of the race, the Committee upheld the appeal and adjudged that Conor Brassil was not in breach of any Rule of Racing. They therefore refunded his deposit and ordered the restoration of his riding fee.

The case on behalf of the Turf Club and I.N.H.S. Committee was presented by Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara & Co. Solicitors, Thurles. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, represented Conor Brassil. Patrick J. Reidy of Reidy Stafford Solicitors acted as legal assessor to all parties.