The Appeals Body, Mr. Robert Dore (Chair), Mr. M. C. Hickey and Mr. Peter N. Reynolds convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 26^th June 2023 to consider the appeal of Sean Bowen (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Leopardstown on Thursday, 8^th June 2023.

Following the running of the Skippio Express Collection Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Bowen, rider of Eloquent Arthur, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for five racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Bowen. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. Bowen stated that his mount jumped off slowly and slotted into mid division from a wide draw. He said that his mount travelled well until about two and a half furlongs out, when he felt they came under pressure, and at two furlongs out he used his whip in the right backhand position to encourage his mount to run the best race that he could. Mr. Bowen stated that when he did so, he felt his mount drifting left and he quickly pulled his whip through to his left hand, gave his mount a reminder to keep straight and gathered his reins up twice to avoid interference. Mr. Bowen stated that in his opinion he had done all that he could to avoid causing interference.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed on the day.

Mr. Bowen represented himself at the appeal hearing. The IHRB was represented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.

Suspension Dates: 30^th June, 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 8^th July.