The Appeals Body, Mr Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr Peter Reynolds convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday, 20 September to consider the appeal of Danny Mullins (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Kilbeggan on 26 July 2024.

On the day, following the running of the MJS Building & Development Handicap Steeplechase, the Raceday Stewards held an enquiry after Mr Mullins, rider of Father Jed claimed he was the only Rider to complete the proper course. It was his contention that the remainder of the field had taken the wrong course when bypassing the second last fence. The Raceday Stewards decided that no rider had taken an incorrect course, and they confirmed the Judges placings and took no further action.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Mullins was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision not to award Father Jed the race.

At the hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Mullins, Mr Brendan Sheridan, IHRB Clerk of the Course and submissions were considered on behalf of Mr Kevin Sexton, rider of Lucky Policy.

In his evidence, Mr Mullins stated that he walked the track beforehand and was familiar with the track. Mr Mullins explained that it was clear to him beyond all doubt that he was bypassing the fence to the right as they approached it and returning onto the Chase course. Mr Mullins stated that he was concerned when he noticed the other riders taking the Hurdle course following the bypass, but he was sure the correct course was to return the Chase course. Mr Mullins stated that in his opinion, he was the only rider to complete the correct Chase course as set out. Mr Mullins did accept that there was at least one attendant waving an orange flag as per Rule 32(ix).

In his evidence, Mr Sheridan stated that the runners were directed onto the Hurdle track to bypass the fence. Mr Sheridan explained the rail layout at the second last fence was a teardrop which leaves a gap of approximately five metres between the fence and the railing to ensure the safety of Riders and Horses in the case of a fall. Mr Sheridan added that the gap between the fence and the rail would have to be 40-60 metres to allow for 13 runners to safely return onto the chase track having by-passed this fence.

In his submission, Mr Sexton explained that he was making the running of this race and when he became aware the fence was being bypassed, he heard the groundsman shout to bypass onto the Hurdle track.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal. Furthermore, they referred Mr Mullins’ grounds of appeal to a Senior Racing Official for further consideration.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, County Tipperary on behalf of Mr Mullins. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Shona Murphy, IHRB Communications Executive.