The Appeals Body, Mr Jack Reardan (Chairman), Mr Raymond McSharry and Mr Marcus Magnier convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 27 August to consider the appeal of Mr Paul Townend (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Tramore on Friday, 16 August 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Assembly Tech Mares Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Townend, rider of Straight Home, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

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

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

In his evidence, Mr Townend accepted that interference occurred. Mr Townend explained that he was aware of the riders around him, and the interference was not caused by a lapse of judgement. Mr Townend stated that his mount was gaining ground, he had a clear gap and that bunching on the point of the bend and horses retreating had caused the incident. Mr Townend explained that his only option was to go into the gap towards the rail to avoid clipping a heel.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed by the Raceday Stewards.

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare on behalf of Mr Townend. The IHRB was represented by Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.

Suspension Dates: 30 August, 4, 9, 13 September 2024.