The Appeals Body, Mr. Anthony Byrne (Chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Dr. Tom McDonogh convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 22nd August 2023 to consider the appeal of Conor Stone-Walsh (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at the Curragh on Sunday, 13th of August 2023.
Following the running of the La Celia Wines Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Stone-Walsh, rider of Roaring Gallagher, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for three racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Stone-Walsh was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Stone-Walsh. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Stone-Walsh explained that he had come from the back of the field with a challenge, a gap appeared to open and as he committed to the gap a horse came in from his outside causing him to take a check and to come out of the gap. Mr. Stone-Walsh further stated that it was his opinion that any interference was not caused by his riding manoeuvre.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed on the day.
Mr. Stone-Walsh represented himself at the appeal hearing. The IHRB was represented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
Suspension Dates: 27th, 30th and 31st of August.