Share to
The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chairman), Mr M C Hickey and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 5 August to consider the appeal of Jake Coen (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Killarney on 17 July 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Coen, rider of Swelltime, in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for five racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Coen were that the Raceday Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Coen, Mr A Leahy rider of Party President, C M Hogan rider of Hees Dynamite, J G Gilligan rider of Gekkota (FR) and E M O’Sullivan rider of Minority Interest. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Coen stated that he was fully aware of the riders behind him and of Ethan O'Sullivan's position to his inside. Mr Coen stated that in his opinion he was clear of the other riders at all times and as he believed he was half a length clear, with his mount travelling strongly he felt he had room to manoeuvre towards the rail.
In his evidence, Mr O’Sullivan said that he felt some pressure from his outside which caused him to take a check.
In his evidence, Mr Hogan accepted that he had to correct his mount as Mr Coen moved in towards the rail on rounding the bend but felt there was no interference and that no contact was made between their mounts.
In his evidence, Mr Leahy stated that he was trying to hold his position and while it was becoming tight to his inside, he did not receive any contact.
In his evidence, Mr Gilligan stated that as a result of Mr O’Sullivan correcting his mount Mr O’Sullivan and Minority Interest then found himself in his racing line and Gekkota then clipped a heel and was brought down.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Coen in breach of Rule 214. Having considered Mr Coen’s record, the Appeals Body imposed a suspension of three racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Co Solicitors on behalf of Mr Coen. The IHRB was represented by Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 7, 8 and 9 August 2025