The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Robert Dore (in the chair), Ms. Mary Cosgrave and Dr. Paddy Molony convened at the Curragh Racecourse on Friday 20th May 2022 to consider the appeal of Mr. Shane Foley (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Cork on 6th May 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Follow Us On Instagram Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Foley, rider of Pallasmore Lass, 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. Foley was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Foley and the committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr. Foley stated that his mount was wearing blinkers for the first time on the day in question and travelled ok throughout the race. He said that he was familiar with the filly and she could be quite quirky. He felt that when his mount hit the front she drifted to her left and glanced off Brightburn and Ciara Flynn and Mr. Foley said that he corrected his mount immediately by switching his whip and keeping a tight hold of his right rein. Mr. Foley felt, in his opinion, he had done everything he could do to prevent any further interference.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that Mr. Foley did take all reasonable steps to correct his mount and they allowed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.