The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Finbar Cahill, (in the chair), Mr. Peter Law and Mr. John Tyrrell met in the Stewards’ Room at Dundalk Racecourse on Wednesday, 31st October 2018 to consider the Appeal of Shane Crosse (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Dundalk on 19th October 2018.
On the day, following the running of the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice Claiming Race, the Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving My Direction (GB) ridden by S.P. Davis, Red Avenger (USA), ridden by S.M. Mooney, Palace Guard, ridden by S.M. Crosse, Reckless Lad, ridden by D.P. Linehan, and Elusive Intrusive, ridden by Christina Simpson, where it appeared Elusive Intrusive ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found S.M. Crosse in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.
The grounds of Appeal lodged by Shane Crosse was that he felt the imposition of the two-day suspension was unjust and wished to contest it.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Crosse. The Appeals Body viewed a recording of the race and considered a transcript of the original evidence.
In his evidence, Mr. Crosse outlined what had occurred during the race. He stated that his horse had broken well out of the stalls, he accepted that his horse hung to the left and he took immediate action to straighten the horse however in doing so he felt that he did not cause interference to anyone. An incident took place behind him which he was not involved in and at no stage was there any contact or interference caused by Mr. Crosse. He noted the evidence given by D. P. Linehan in the Stewards Enquiry and submitted that his action had not caused Mr. Linehan to check his horse.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body found that Mr. Crosse had not ridden carelessly and allowed the appeal, lifting the two-day suspension.
Shane Crosse was represented by Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Liberty Square, Thurles Townparks, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The case was presented by Liam Walsh, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.