The Appeals Body (Division Two), Peter N. Reynolds (in the Chair), N.P. Lambert and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, 20th March 2013 to consider an appeal from Derek O’Connor, qualified rider, against the severity of the ban imposed by the Stewards at Downpatrick on 6th March 2013, when following the running of the Ballyalton Flat Race he was suspended for three race days for using his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

Derek O’Connor’s grounds of appeal was that the penalty imposed was excessive.

Evidence was heard from Derek O’Connor, who accepted he was in breach of the rule in that he used his whip above shoulder height twice in the latter stages of the race.  He said he didn’t like using the whip, but when he did he had difficulty with this particular aspect of his whip style.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and, in view of the rider’s record, they ordered that the original penalty of three race days remain (March 21st, 23rd & 24th).

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Stipendiary Steward.