The Appeals Body, Mr. Nick Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. Victor Connolly convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 31st May 2023 to consider the appeal of Scott McCullagh (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Cork on Wednesday, 17th May 2023.
Following the running of the Blackwater Apprentice Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. McCullagh in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. McCullagh was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. McCullagh, rider of Angel’s Feather. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. McCullagh stated that his mount was quite green and while going for a gap, was intimidated by a horse in front and leaned away from the pressure. Mr. McCullagh accepted that there had been interference; however, he said he had made a calculated move to take advantage of the gap and he felt that he had done everything in his power to keep his mount straight.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body confirmed Mr. McCullagh was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard they upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to impose a suspension of two racedays.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.
Suspension Dates: 4th and 5th June.
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