The Appeals Body (Division Two), Peter N. Reynolds (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Stewards Room, Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, 26th April 2017 to consider the appeal of Roger Loughran, (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Wexford on 7th April 2017. On the day, following the running of the Wexford-Slaney Estuary Handicap Hurdle, he was suspended for three racedays as the Stewards were of the opinion he was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly. In the race three horses fell or were brought down as a result of the incident involving All In The Head ridden by Roger Loughran.

His grounds of appeal were that are that he did not ride carelessly and in all the circumstances the stewards erred in their decision.

Evidence was heard from Roger Loughran. The Appeals Body also reviewed film of the race and a transcript of the original enquiry.

In his evidence, Roger Loughran said he held his horse’s line down the hill and while he heard a number of shouts, he didn’t think the shouting was at him. He said he only crossed over to the rail when it was safe to do so. He denied that there was any contact between his horse and other horses and that he was to blame for what occurred.

During cross examination from Paul Murtagh, Roger Loughran denied he contributed in any way to the fall and that what occurred was caused by him rolling in. He accepted he had come from four wide on the second last turn to one off the rails where the incident occurred. However he reiterated that this was not the cause of the fall.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and ordered Roger Loughran to forfeit his deposit. As a result the original suspension of three race days (April 28th, 29th and 1st May 2017) stands.

The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, solicitor and Paul Murtagh, Head of Raceday Operations. Roger Loughran was represented by Andrew Coonan, solicitor, Coonan Cawley, Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.