The Appeals Body Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Dr. Colm O’Flaherty and Paul Ronan met at the Turf Club on 22nd October 2012 to consider the appeal from J.A. Heffernan, rider of Attorney Street, against the decision of the Stewards at the Curragh on 16th October 2012, when following the running of the Curragh Membership 2013 Maiden, he was suspended for three race days for using his whip unnecessarily when his chance of being placed had clearly gone.

The grounds of appeal lodged were that the Stewards erred in their decision.

Evidence was heard from J.A. Heffernan.  Film of the race was also viewed.

In his evidence J.A. Heffernan accepted that he had hit the horse three times about 2½ furlongs from the finish.  This was the only time the horse was hit during the race.  He did not accept that when he hit the horse his chance of being placed was clearly gone.  He also said that he hit the horse in the hope that his mount would respond and when it didn’t, he put down his whip and rode hands and heels to the line.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found that J.A. Heffernan was not in breach of any rule and therefore allowed the appeal.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.