The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. M.C. Hickey (in the chair), Ms. Mary Cosgrave and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at Naas Racecourse on Saturday 3rd July 2021 to consider the appeal of Sam Ewing (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Ballinrobe on 21st June 2021.
On the day, following the running of the GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Ewing, rider of Clan Jock, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Ewing was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Ewing and the committee also watched a recording of the race. Mr. Ewing was accompanied at the appeal hearing by Mr. Fran Berry.
In his evidence, Mr. Ewing said that his mount was very green and when he used his whip in the backhand position his mount became intimidated by Barometer, ridden by Robbie Colgan, on his outside. Mr. Ewing stated that at the time of the incident he was aware that Cois Sionna, ridden by Seamus Heffernan was on his inside. Mr. Ewing added that when his mount drifted slightly he immediately put his hands on the reins to keep his mount straight as his race was run. Furthermore, Mr. Ewing said he was always aware of Mr. Heffernan on his inside and that it was as a result of his horse being green and the intimidation he felt from the horse on his outside.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body accepted Mr. Ewing’s evidence that his mount felt pressure from his outside which was a contributing factor in his mount drifting slightly and causing Mr. Heffernan to check his run which was accidental in nature. They therefore allowed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr. Paul Deegan, Stipendiary Steward.