P.M.J. Doyle (Trainer) Appeal – Fairyhouse, 9th April 2012

The Appeals Body (Division Two), Peter Reynolds (in the Chair), Sean Barry and Michael Doyle met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 23rd April 2012 to consider the appeal of P.M.J. Doyle, trainer of Rogue Angel, against the decision of the Stewards at Fairyhouse on 9th April 2012, when following the running of the Racing Post Champion Point-to-Point Flat Race, the Stewards were of the opinion that Rogue Angel had improved its placing over Balnaslow by causing him interference and consequently reversed the placings of Rogue Angel and Balnaslow.

Mr. Doyle’s grounds of appeal were that “the Stewards on the day were incorrect in reversing the result of the race and that if interference occurred it was not such that my horse improved his finishing position and won this race on merit.”

Evidence was heard from Roger Quinlan, rider Rogue Angel, P.M.J. Doyle and Patrick Mullins, rider Balnaslow.  Recordings of the race were also viewed.

In his evidence Roger Quinlan said that he was not responsible for any interference caused.  He said that the interference occurred as a result of Balnaslow coming back out from the indent in the rails and bumping his horse.  He said that he was going away to win the race at the time and that as a result of the bump received, his horse became unbalanced and leaned in on Balnaslow.

P.M.J. Doyle described Rogue Angel as a big, green and raw four year old.  He agreed with Roger Quinlan that his horse became unbalanced following the first bump and that both horses were responsible for what occurred.  He said that in his view Rogue Angel won on merit.

Patrick Mullins told the Committee that Rogue Angel took his ground just after the indent in the rails less than a furlong out.  He said that Roger Quinlan had stated at the original enquiry that Rogue Angel was half a length up with 20 yards to go.  However, this gap was reduced to a short head at the line by Balnaslow.  Patrick Mullins said that he felt Rogue Angel intimidated Balnaslow with the result that his horse drifted into the indent.  He said that Roger Quinlan was obliged to leave enough room for him on the rails which he didn’t.  He said the interference caused by Rogue Angel had cost him the race.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal.  They ordered that the amount of costs that should be reimbursed to the Turf Club be restricted to the appellant’s deposit.  They also expressed unhappiness at the indent which was left in the rails and considered that this was the main contributory factor to what occurred.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.  P.M.J. Doyle and R.P. Quinlan were represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.  Pat Reidy of Reidy Solicitors acted as legal assessor.