The Appeals Body, Mr. Anthony Byrne (Chairman), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Peter N. Reynolds convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 15th November 2023 to consider the appeal of Keith Donoghue (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Cork on Sunday, 5th November 2023.
Following the running of the Buy Tickets Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Donoghue, rider of Money Heist, in breach of Rule 231(iii) in that he had weighed in at 1.1lbs overweight. Having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Donoghue was that there was mitigating circumstances which caused the overweight.
At the Appeal Hearing evidence was heard from Mr. Donoghue and the Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence Mr. Donoghue stated that there had been some rain during the day, which had resulted in significant kickback during the race. Mr. Donoghue also explained that he had weighed out at 162.6lbs and weighed back in at 163.1lbs but admitted he had failed to remove his gloves when weighing in as he felt due to conditions the overweight was accepted by the Clerk of the Scales.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the decision of the Raceday Stewards.
The case was presented by Mr. Donoghue. The IHRB was presented by Ms. Clíodhna Guy, Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.
Suspension Dates: 19th and 21st November 2023.