The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. Robert Dore (in the chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday 2^nd November 2022 to consider the appeal of W.J. Lee (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Dundalk on 21^st  October 2022.

On the day, following the running of the William Hill Extra Places Every Day Handicap, the Stewards found Mr. Lee, rider of Beleaguerment, in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard and pursuant to the provisions of R10(6)(a) the Stewards suspended Mr. Lee for six racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Lee and the committee also watched footage of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. Lee stated that about 150 yards from the line that he felt his mount rolling to the right and he put his whip down for three or four strides in an attempt to correct the horse with his hands and shifting his body weight before then using his whip as a corrective measure. Mr. Lee said that he felt the horse was getting lonely in front and was wearing blinkers so may not have been aware of the horse on his outside. Mr. Lee added that the horse was rolling to the right at a speed that he felt required corrective measures to be taken. 

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal.

The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor. Mr. Lee was represented by Mr. Kevin Power of Maurice Power Solicitors, Lord Edward Street, Kilmallock, County Limerick.

Suspension Dates: 4^th, 6^th, 9^th, 11^th, 16^th and 18^th November