The Appeals Body, Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 16 January 2023 to consider the appeal of Luke McAteer (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on Friday 22 December 2023.

Following the running of the Botanica International Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. McAteer in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for eight racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. McAteer was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. McAteer, rider of Free Flow. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. McAteer stated that his mount was tired and he was following the horse in front as room was tight. Mr. McAteer explained that the riders moved out from the bend a lot earlier than usual and he kept his racing line to the best of his ability. He also explained that it was unfortunate timing that his mount switched legs just before contact was made with the horse to his outside.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee confirmed Mr. McAteer was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and dismissed the appeal.

The case was presented by Mr. Ateer. The IHRB was represented by Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance and Mr. Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.

Dates of suspension: 19, 26, 31 January, 2, 9, 14, 16 and 23 February