The Appeals Body, Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 6 February 2024 to consider the appeal of Miss Phidelma  Elvin (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Gowran Park on Thursday 25 January 2024.

Following the running of P.J. Foley Memorial INH Flat Race, the Raceday Stewards found Miss Elvin, rider of Harrys Dream, in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that she had used her whip with excessive frequency and having considered her record in this regard they suspended her for eight racedays.

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

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

In her evidence, Miss Elvin explained how she used her whip one over the limit for corrective purposes. She stated that her mount was a young inexperienced horse who ran around when approaching the wings of where the hurdles had been.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sanction imposed on the day by the Raceday Stewards. 

The appeal was presented by Miss Elvin. The IHRB was represented by Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.

Suspension Dates: 8, 10, 11,15,17,18, 21 and 22 February