The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Ms Meta Osborne and Mr N P Lambert convened in the Stewards Room at The Curragh Racecourse on Wednesday, 5 June to consider the appeal of Phillip Byrnes (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Ballinrobe on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Following the running of the Auray Assessors Fillies Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Byrnes, rider of Struck By Churchil, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for eight racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Byrnes was that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.

At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Byrnes. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Byrnes explained Ballinrobe is a tight track and that it was his mounts first time out over hurdles. Mr Byrnes added that when he used his whip for the first time his mount ducked right slightly. Mr Byrnes accepted that contact was made with Leitzel, ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, however he explained it was minimal and that he corrected his mount within two strides of the incident.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the Appeal.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, County Tipperary on behalf of Mr Byrnes. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.