The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair) Ms. Jill Farrell and Dr. Colm O’Flaherty convened at Galway Racecourse on 31st July 2020 to consider the Appeal of Mr. P.W. Mullins (Rider) against the severity of the sanction imposed by the Stewards at Cork on 24th July 2020.
On the day, following the running of the Pencil Hill Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards suspended Mr. Mullins for one race day having found him in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he had used him whip with excessive force, and Regulation 10.3(i) in that he had not given his mount, Pilbara (GB), enough time to respond to the whip.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Mullins and the Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race and a recording of Pilbara’s run at Galway on 29th July 2020.
In his evidence, Mr. Mullins accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) and Regulation 10.3(i) but felt that on this occasion he should have been issued with a caution given his clean record in this regard. He could not explain why his mount was marked post-race as he had not altered his riding style in any way and confirmed that his whip was in a serviceable condition. He was of the view that force was a very grey area and not something that could be judged easily by a rider throughout the course of a race. Mr. Mullins suggested that it was possible the horse may mark easily or could be affected by the weather temperature on the day.
Having viewed the recording of Pilbara’s (GB) run at Galway on 29th July 2020, Mr. Liam Walsh, confirmed that the animal was found to show no signs of force when examined after the race by Dr. Nicola O’Connor (IHRB Veterinary Officer).
Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body could not find fault with the decision of the Stewards on the day as they were also of the opinion that Mr. Mullins was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) and Regulation 10.3(i) and they dismissed the appeal. The ordered that the deposit be forfeited and the original suspension date should stand.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Date: Saturday 8th August