The Appeals Body, Division Two, J.R. Craigie (in the Chair), John Moloney and Mrs. J. O. Onions met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co Kildare on 12th October 2010 to consider an appeal from J.P. O’Brien, apprentice jockey, against the ban imposed on him by the Stewards at Dundalk on 5th September 2010 when, following the running of the Fairways Hotel Race and Stay Package Handicap, he was suspended for two race days for careless riding on Bright Horizon (GB).  The grounds of Appeal were that he did not ride carelessly.

Evidence was heard from P.J. Smullen, rider of Endless Expanse and K. Latham, rider of Boxer Beat, who were involved in the incident, J.P. O’Brien and A.P. O’Brien, trainer of Bright Horizon (GB) and master of J.P. O’Brien.  Videos of the race were also reviewed.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body noted that there was a significant change in evidence today compared to the evidence that was originally given to the Stewards at Dundalk and on that basis the appeal was allowed.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co Kildare.  J.P. O’Brien was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co Kildare.