The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Robert Dore and Dr Paddy Molony convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 26 February 2025 to consider the appeal of Eric McNamara (Trainer) and Conor McNamara (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Clonmel on 13 February 2025 following the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Novice Handicap Chase.
On the day, the Stewards found both Eric McNamara and Conor McNamara in breach of Rule 212A(i), in that they deliberately or recklessly caused or permitted a horse to run other than on its merits. Having considered their records in this regard, the Raceday Stewards fined Eric McNamara €6,000, suspended Conor McNamara for 40 days and suspended Mount Ferns from running for 90 days under the provisions of Rule 212C(D).
The grounds of appeal lodged by Eric McNamara and Conor McNamara were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Eric McNamara and Conor McNamara. The panel also viewed a recording of the race and considered a submission from Emmet McNamara which included video evidence of Mount Ferns running in races prior to Clonmel.
In his evidence, Eric McNamara stated that he accepted the findings of the IHRB Veterinary Officer on the day which was that Mount Ferns was post-race normal. However, Mr McNamara explained that when Mount Ferns returned home he noticed that the horse was lame as he was unloaded from the lorry. Mr McNamara suggested that possibly Mount Ferns appeared post-race normal at the time due to adrenaline. Mr McNamara confirmed that he got his own veterinary surgeon to examine Mount Ferns the following day and submitted videos and written documentation to confirm that the horse was lame on three legs when examined. Mr McNamara admitted that he feared Clonmel might not be a track that would suit his horse but explained that he ran him as there was no suitable race with similar conditions again until late March. Mr McNamara confirmed he was satisfied with the ride and felt that the rider did everything in his power given how badly the horse was hanging.
In his evidence, Conor McNamara confirmed his instructions were to jump off mid-division and to try and deliver a late challenge. Mr McNamara said that Mount Ferns was a difficult ride and has previously had issues with hanging to the right in previous runs. Mr McNamara further added that this tendency to hang was once again evident in the race in question and the horse became almost uncontrollable as they were coming down the hill the final time. Mr Namara stated that he felt he did everything in his power to keep the horse straight by adjusting his body weight to the left and tightly grabbing his left rein. Mr McNamara reiterated that he prioritised safely finishing the race and believed he did so to the best of his ability. Mr McNamara accepted he had failed to report his mount hanging to the right to the Clerk of the Scales after the race.
Having considered the evidence and the additional submissions made by the appellants, the Appeals Body allowed both appeals.
The case was presented by Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.