The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Joseph M. McGrath (in the chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. N.B. Wachman convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday 14th July 2021 to consider the appeal of Richard Deegan (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Downpatrick on 12th June 2021.
On the day, following the running of the Toals Bookmakers Opportunity Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Deegan, rider of Sweet Sixteen, in breach Rule 208(iii)(a) and (b) and Rule 208(v) in that he had failed to obey the Starters’ instructions and suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Deegan were that he had attempted to obey the instructions of the Starter.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Deegan and the committee also watched a recording of the start of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Deegan explained that he was walking around at the start when he became aware of others who were keen to make the running in the race. He stated that he got a sense that the race might not start first time and he therefore tried to pull up his mount even before the Starter, Mr. Banahan, had said ‘No’ to the riders. He stated that he was not trying to disobey the Starter and that his body language shows that he predicting that the Starter was going to call a false start.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Mr. Deegan was in breach of Rule 208(iii)(a) and (b) and Rule 208(v) and they dismissed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr. Liam Walsh, Stipendiary Steward.