The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Sean Barry (in the chair), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Julian Gaisford-St Lawrence convened at Naas Racecourse on Thursday, 16th December 2021 to consider the appeal of Mr. Jamie Codd (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Fairyhouse on 28th November 2021.
On the day, following the running of the Bar One Racing (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race, the Stewards found Mr. Codd, rider of Sa Fureur, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended him for five racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Codd was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Codd. The panel also viewed a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Codd explained to the panel that he would walk the track prior to riding at every racemeeting and on this occasion at Fairyhouse he was familiar with where there was no running rail between the wings of the hurdles up the straight before the running rail continued all the way to the line. He stated that when he led the runners into the straight in this race that he passed the horses around him and made his run to the inside racing line, while always being a length or more clear. He explained that Mr. T.P. Harney aboard Realistic Optimism had attempted to overtake him on the inside but didn’t have the horse to do so and therefore had to switch out from the rail. Mr. Codd stated that he caused no interference and that Mr. Harney’s horse had stumbled independently as he was switching back out off the rail.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body did not feel that the Stewards on the day had erred in their decision and they dismissed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Advisor and Mr. Codd was represented by Mr. Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Liberty Square, Thurles, County Tipperary.