The Appeals Body, Mr. Anthony Byrne (Chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 20^th July 2023 to consider the appeal of Mark McDonagh (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Bellewstown on Saturday, 8^th July 2023.

Following the running of the Bar One Racing ‘Bellewstown’ Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. McDonagh, rider of Wouldn’t You Agree, in breach of Rule 214 in that he ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

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

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

In his evidence, Mr. McDonagh stated that it was his intention to make the running and he did so in the early stages with Wajaaha, ridden by Liam McKenna, joining him upsides in the early parts of the race before that horse went on to make the running. Mr. McDonagh said that he had held his same racing line throughout the race and continued on that line even when Mr McKenna passed him. Mr. McDonagh added that he had a clear sight of the inside hurdle at the third last after which he asked his mount for maximum effort. Mr. McDonagh explained that at this point Mr. McKenna became aware of the room on his inside and attempted to shift across to deny him room and that was the cause of any interference that occurred.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sanction that was imposed on the day.

Mr. McDonagh was represented by Kevin Power of Maurice Power & Co Solicitors, Limerick in the appeal hearing. The IHRB was represented by Paul Deegan, IHRB Stipendiary Steward, instructed by Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.  

Suspension Dates: 25^th, 27^th, 31^st July and 1^st August