The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair) Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. John Murphy convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on 8th October 2020 to consider the Appeal of John Joseph Hanlon (Trainer) against the decision of the Stewards at Listowel on 21st September 2020.
On the day, following the running of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards found Mr. Hanlon in breach of Rule 212a(ii), in that his mount, Comporta (GB) did not come under timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place and they fined him €2,000. The grounds of the appeal lodged by Mr. Hanlon were that the rider failed to follow instructions in that he didn’t place the horse in the second half of the race in a position to allow him achieve his best possible position.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Hanlon and the Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Hanlon outlined his dissatisfaction with the ride given to Comporta (GB), in particular the latter stages of the race from the second last hurdle. He stated that he had felt the horse had a good chance of being placed and had advised the owners of that the day prior to the race. He confirmed that he was of the view that if the ride had been stronger the horse would have finished closer and noted that his Authorised Representative on the day, Ms. Rachel O’Neill, had also stated some dissatisfaction with the ride at the Stewards enquiry on the day.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal and dismissed the fine as they accepted that both the Authorised Representative on the day and the Trainer had both expressed dissatisfaction with the ride.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward.