The Appeals Body, Mr N B Wachman (Chairman), Mr Peter Reynolds and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday, 28 June to consider the appeal of Robert Whearty (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Fairyhouse on Friday, 14 June 2024.

On the day, following the running of the Pat’s Carpets Race, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Whearty, rider of Booyea, in breach of breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Whearty and Niall McCullagh, Jockey Coach to Mr Whearty. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr Whearty accepted that interference had occurred however, he felt it was due to circumstances out of his control as his mount ran green and drifted right. Mr Whearty explained that he took reasonable precautions to try and avoid contact by using his legs to try and squeeze his mount to keep his mount as straight as possible. 

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found he had not taken all reasonable steps and dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed by the Raceday Stewards.

The Appeal was presented by Mr Whearty accompanied by Mr McCullagh. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.

Suspension Dates: 28 June & 2 July