The Appeals Body (Division One), Patrick Reidy (in the Chair), Colin Magnier and N.B. Wachman met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 20th December 2013 to consider an appeal from Robbie Moran, rider, against the severity of the penalty imposed by the Stewards at Downpatrick on 13th December 2013. On that date the Stewards found that he was in breach of Regulation 10 as he had used his whip with excessive force and frequency, used it in the forehand position in front of the saddle and failed to give his mount time to respond following the running of the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle. As a result he was suspended for four race days.

Evidence was heard from Robbie Moran.  Film of the race was also viewed and the Appeals Body considered his disciplinary record.  They also considered a written submission from Leslie Young, trainer of Rasco which was the horse he was riding when he was found guilty of the rule breach.

In his evidence Robbie Moran accepted that he was in breach of the relevant sections of Regulation R10.  However he felt that the penalty imposed was too severe.  He outlined his reasons for this.  He said that he wasn’t aware that he had overused the whip in view of the fact that it was used over a distance of a furlong and a half.  He said he was not an abusive rider and that he was riding a fancied horse which he wanted to ensure would win.  He said that it was not his intention to overuse the whip.

In relation to the penalty imposed, the rider said that missing three of the four days racing at Christmas was a huge loss and that not being available could mean that he may lose rides on fancied horses which he may not get back on subsequently if they run well for another rider.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the penalty imposed of four race days (December 27th, 28th, 29th and 31st) by the Stewards at Downpatrick.  In addition, the panel were critical of Robbie Moran’s use of the whip which they said was unacceptable and that he should consider himself lucky that the penalty was not increased.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.