D.E. Mullins Appeal
Ballinrobe – 18th July 2011

The Appeals Body (Division Two), J.R. Craigie (in the Chair), Dr. Colm O’Flaherty and Derek Pugh met in the Stewards Room, Galway Racecourse on 27th July 2011 to consider the appeal of D.E. Mullins, rider of Clarach, against the decision of the Stewards at Ballinrobe on 18th July 2011, when following the running of the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden, he was suspended for five race days and ordered to forfeit his riding fee as a result of being found in breach of Rule 212.

His grounds of appeal were that he was not in breach of Rule 212.

Evidence was heard from D.E. Mullins, who said that his mount lost interest once she was passed by the winner.  He showed her the whip about 150 yards out but there was no response.  He said he looked back and saw that the horse (Moymore Lad) in third place at that time was about five lengths back with the rider hard at work.  D.E. Mullins said he kept niggling away at his mount, but the horse only picked up when joined by Moymore Lad about 30 yards from the line at which stage it was too late to regain momentum.  He denied that he lost second place because of his actions.

Anthony Mullins, trainer of Clarach, said that this mare had a history of stopping after her run is over.  He said she usually battles for about a furlong and then gives up and he wasn’t surprised that this happened again.

The Committee also reviewed films of the race.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found that D.E. Mullins was in breach of Rule 212 as he failed to give his mount a full opportunity to obtaining her best possible place.  However, in view of his excellent record, they reduced the suspension from five race days to three race days (1st, 3rd & 4th August) and confirmed the forfeiture of his riding fee.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.