The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Joseph M. McGrath and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 14thDecember 2020 to consider the Appeal of Mr. Pat Taaffe (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Clonmel on 3rd December 2020.
On the day, following the running of the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards were of the opinion Mr. Taaffe was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and suspended him for three racedays.
Mr. Taaffe’s grounds of appeal were that the Stewards had erred in their decision.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Pat Taaffe (Rider) and Mr. Tom Taaffe (Trainer).
In his evidence, Mr. Pat Taaffe stated that he was at least a length and a half clear of Chalky White, ridden by Brian Hayes when he made a manoeuvre to his right approaching the second last hurdle and was of the opinion that he did not cause any interference as he was clear of the Chalky White when making the manoeuvre and his actions did not adversely affect the running of that horse.
Mr. Tom Taaffe gave evidence as an expert witness regarding interference.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards could not be satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr. Taaffe had caused interference in this race and so they allowed the appeal. Furthermore, they ordered that his deposit be refunded.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance and Mr. Paul Murtagh, INHSC Registrar. Mr. Taaffe was represented by Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara & Co. Solicitors, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co Tipperary.