The Appeals Body, (Division Two), Judge Tony Hunt (in the chair), Philip Caffrey and Mrs. J.O. Onions met in the Turf Club on 13th August 2010 to consider the appeal of Philip Redmond, trainer of Hatton’s Wood, against the decision of the Stewards at Wexford on 23rd July 2010 when, following the running of the Hilary Murphy Travel Handicap Steeplechase, the placing of Hatton’s Wood, which had originally finished first, was reversed with Old Hall, which had originally finished second.  In arriving at their decision, the Stewards were satisfied that interference had occurred and that the winner (Hatton’s Wood) had improved his position in relation to the second (Old Hall) as a result of interference.

The grounds of appeal were the best horse won on the day and should not have lost the race.

Evidence was heard from A.P. Thornton, rider Hatton’s Wood, E.J. O’Connell, rider Artiste Bay (FR), Christopher Hatton, owner Hatton’s Wood and B.J. Geraghty, rider Old Hall.  Videos of the race were also viewed.

In his evidence, A.P. Thornton said that the interference was caused by B.J. Geraghty bumping him on a number of occasions.  He also admitted he came off his racing line and drifted towards the stand side after the last fence was bypassed as he was of the opinion that he had to finish on the chase track.

E.J. O’Connell said that he felt any interference caused to him (about a furlong out) was caused as a result of Hatton’s Wood coming out and Old Hall coming in.

B.J. Geraghty said that he was bumped on a number of occasions as a result of his racing line being taken by Hatton’s Wood.  He also said that he was unable to use his whip for a number of strides.  He noted that he was carried from about four off the rails to about eight off the rails as a result of Hatton’s Wood drifting.  In conclusion, he said he definitely would have won but for the interference caused by Hatton’s Wood.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body accepted that there was interference.  In their opinion the interference was caused by Hatton’s Wood drifting across the track.  They noted that during the interference B.J. Geraghty was prevented from being as forceful as he would like on Old Hall.  They also noted that the winning distance was only a short head.  As a result they were satisfied that Hatton’s Wood had improved his placing in relation to Old Hall and they confirmed the decision taken by the Wexford stewards to reverse the placings.

Costs were not awarded to the Turf Club following an application for costs.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.  Philip Redmond was represented by Frank Ward & Co. Solicitors, Dublin 7.  W.F. Codd, trainer of Old Hall, was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.