The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chairperson), Mr N.B. Wachman and Dr Paddy Molony convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 to consider the appeal of Jack Kearney (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on Friday, 8 March 2024.

Following the running of the Ross Clair Maiden, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Kearney, rider of Hoover Dam In breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Kearney was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Kearney. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence Mr Kearney explained that he was trying to move towards the outside rail and added that initially he left adequate room along the rail for Rory Cleary, rider of Spunog. However, Mr Kearney stated that he was taken off his racing line by Al Mudhaffar, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, who was also moving towards the rail. Mr Kearney suggested that if he was able to maintain his racing line this incident wouldn’t have occurred.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension of four racedays.

The appeal was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, on behalf of Mr Kearney. The IHRB was represented by, Mr Colman Sweeney IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Clíodhna Guy, Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.