The Appeals Body (Division Two), C.P. Magnier (in the Chair), Philip Caffrey and Noel McCaffrey met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Friday, 11th March, 2016, to consider the appeal of R.C. Colgan, rider, against the decision of the Acting Stewards at Naas on 6th March, 2016, following the running of the Woodlands 100 Club Leinster National Handicap Steeplechase.  On that day the Stewards found R.C. Colgan to be in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) insofar as he had used his whip with excessive force and frequency.  As a result he was suspended for four race days.   

The appeal was lodged on the grounds that he wanted to give the horse the full opportunity of winning, being placed or running as well as possible.

Evidence was heard from R.C. Colgan, rider.  Film of the race was also viewed.

In his evidence R.C. Colgan stated that he was striving to give the horse every opportunity to win and when his chance of winning was gone he persevered in trying to obtain the best possible placing.

Having considered the evidence and viewed the film of the race the Committee dismissed the appeal and confirmed the penalty imposed of four race days (March 20th, 24th, 27th and 28th) by the Stewards at Naas.  The Committee declared that it was reasonable for the appeal to have been made and they therefore refunded R.C. Colgan his deposit.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Stipendiary Steward.  Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, represented R.C. Colgan.