The Appeals Body, Mr M.C. Hickey (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy, convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, to consider the appeal of Mr Sean Staples (Rider) against the severity of the sanction imposed on him by the Acting Stewards at Killeady (H), Dromahane Point to Point on 13 April 2025. 

On the day, following the running of the 5yo & Upwards Geldings Maiden, the Acting Stewards found Mr Staples, rider of Guseakie, in breach of Regulation 58.3(b). Having considered his record in this regard, the Acting Stewards suspended him for four Point to Point racedays.    

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Staples. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race and considered a written submission from Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer. 

In his evidence Mr. Staples stated that he used his whip after the last fence to ensure his mount maintained a straight line to the finish. He stated that, although this was the horses first run, he was familiar with him from riding him out at home and he was conscious that the horse may run towards the area where the horseboxes were located. Mr. Staples accepted he was in breach of Regulation 58.3(b), but believed the suspension imposed was excessive. Mr Staples stated that he has been actively working on improving his riding technique to prevent similar incidents in the future and to this end he had recently purchased a riding simulator. 

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body reduced the suspension to one Point to Point Raceday and ordered Mr Staples to attend RACE for one day tuition on the correct use of the whip. 

The case was presented by Mr Staples. The IHRB was represented by Ms Louise Troy BL instructed by Christine Traynor Head of Racing Regulation & Integrity and Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.

Suspension Day: 27 April