The Appeals Body (Division One), Patrick Reidy (in the Chair), Peter Reynolds and N.B. Wachman met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Friday 25th April, 2014, to consider an appeal from David Splaine, rider, against the severity of the penalty imposed by the Stewards at Tramore on 13th April 2014.  On that date the Stewards found the rider to be in breach of Rules 208(i)(a) and (ii)(f) in that he had disobeyed the starter’s instructions by coming forward without being instructed to do so prior to the running of the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Steeplechase.  As a result he was suspended for four race days.

Evidence was heard from David Splaine, who said he had difficulty in hearing the starter.  He said he thought the race was ready to start and he followed the other riders when they came forward.  He said he accepted he was in breach of the rules. 

The Appeals Body considered a number of submissions from Andrew Coonan, solicitor acting on behalf of David Splaine, in relation to the severity of the penalty.  They also considered the rider’s disciplinary record.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal and reduced the suspension to two race days.  In reducing the penalty the Appeals Body accepted that the rider made an effort to stop his horse before he reached the marker poles when he realised the race wasn’t going to start.  Suspension dates are 29th April & 5th May 2014.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Turf Club Stipendiary Steward.  David Splaine was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.