The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Raymond J McSharry convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 22 October to consider the appeal of Jack Kennedy (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Galway on 8 October 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Race In Pink Raceday On Sunday 27th October Beginners Chase, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Kennedy, rider of Will Do, in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having considered his regard in this regard, they suspended him for eight racedays.

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

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Kennedy. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Kennedy accepted that he had used his whip once over the permitted amount, however he stated that at his final use was for corrective purposes. Mr Kennedy explained that his horse had been difficult throughout the race and in the closing stages his mount was rolling around underneath him and behind the horses that had just passed him.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed by the Raceday Stewards.

The appeal was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, on behalf of Mr Kennedy. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.