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 Tote Always SP Or Better At Galway Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Kennedy, rider of The Enabler, in breach of Rule 231 in that he had weighed in at 1.1lb overweight and having considered his regard in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Kennedy was that there was mitigating factors to account for the overweight.

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Kennedy and submissions from Mr Kevin Power, solicitor on his behalf. The panel also considered correspondence from Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer.

In his evidence, Mr Kennedy explained that in the race in question he was doing a heavy weight with a large saddle. Mr Kennedy confirmed that he had received bandaging from a Medical Officer after he weighed out. Mr Kennedy also explained that his mount sweated up quite significantly and it was a damp day and these were all possible contributing factors to the overweight.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal. However, due to the marginal nature of the weights involved and mitigating circumstances, the Appeals Body varied the sanction imposed to a caution. The Appeals Body reminded him of his responsibility in this regard.

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.