The Appeals Body, Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr. John Murphy and Dr. Paddy Molony convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 20^th September 2023 to consider the appeal of Billy Lee (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Galway on Tuesday, 12^th September 2023.

Following the running of the Ardilaun Hotel Irish EBF Oysters Stakes, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. Lee, rider of Final Gesture, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for nine racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, oral submissions were made by Mr. Kevin Power, Solicitor, on behalf of Mr. Lee. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

Mr. Power accepted that interference had occurred but had occurred as a result of misjudgement and therefore should have been adjudged as careless riding. Mr. Power clarified that Mr. Lee was riding off heels for about a furlong, waiting to get a run, and when Mr. Lee anticipated that a gap was opening for a run, a horse in front moved fractionally left in front of Mr. Lee causing contact between Mr. Lee’s mount and a horse on Mr. Lee’s outside.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body were satisfied that interference had been caused due to the misjudgement of Mr. Lee and he was therefore in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard the Appeals Body imposed a suspension of four racedays.

Mr. Powell was represented by Mr. Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

The case for the IHRB was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, Regulatory Legal Advisor.

Suspension Dates: 26^th, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th September.