P. Hogan Appeal – Roscommon, 2nd August 2011

The Appeals Body (Division Two), J.R. Craigie (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Mrs. T.K. Cooper met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 31st August 2011 to consider the appeal of P. Hogan, restricted trainer, against the decision of the Stewards at Roscommon on 2nd August 2011 when following the running of the Dysart Maiden Hurdle, Prayer From Heaven, trained by P. Hogan, was demoted to second place as the Stewards found that he had interfered with the original second (Walden Prince) and in doing so had improved his placing.

Evidence was heard from B.J. Geraghty, rider Summersinerrill, E.F. Power, rider Prayer From Heaven and E.J. O’Connell, rider Walden Prince.

In his evidence, B.J. Geraghty said that the incident occurred behind him when Walden Prince tried to come though a gap between his mount Summersinerrill and Prayer From Heaven.  He was adamant that he kept a straight line on Summersinerrill.  He said he was unaware of what happened behind him but accepted that there was a gap at different times.  He also said that Walden Prince probably got through the gap to as far as his boot before it started to close.

E.F. Power said that he was not aware initially of Walden Prince trying to come through the gap.  He accepted that Walden Prince did come into the gap but said that his horse got unbalanced as a result of this occurring.  He also said that Walden Prince leaned in on Prayer From Heaven in the last 75 yards of the race as Walden Prince drifted left as a result of his rider (E.J. O’Connell) using his whip in his right hand.  E.F. Power said that Walden Prince had a clear run from the last hurdle to the winning line and despite this he was unable to pass his horse.  He concluded by stating that his horse won on merit.

In his evidence, E.J. O’Connell said that he was travelling best coming to the second last hurdle. Just after the hurdle a gap opened which he went for but the gap started to close when he was half way through as a result of Prayer From Heaven drifting left.  As a result he had to pull out of the gap and switch his horse.  He lost momentum and estimated that the maneuver cost him 11/4 – 11/2 lengths.  He was beaten by a head.  He said that his horse didn’t bump Prayer From Heaven in the last 50 yards even though he leaned towards him.  He felt that the initial interference cost him the race.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body agreed that the Stewards in Roscommon made the correct decision and dismissed the appeal.  They ordered that the deposit be forfeited as a contribution towards the Turf Club’s costs.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare. 

P. Hogan was represented by Raymond O’Meara, O’Meara & Co. Solicitors, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.