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The Appeals Body, Mr Martin P O’Donnell (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 7 October to consider the appeal of Seamus Heffernan (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Down Royal on 29 September 2025.
On the day, following the Madrí Excepcional Maiden, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Heffernan, rider of Perfect Base, in breach of Rule 230(ii), in that he failed to weigh in following the race. Having considered Mr Heffernan’s clean record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Heffernan was against the severity of the sanction imposed.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Heffernan
In his evidence, Mr Heffernan accepted that he made an error on the day however, felt that the four day suspension imposed on him was harsh due to his clean record in this regard.
Having considered the evidence and precedent case, the Appeals Body allowed Mr Heffernan’s appeal and reduced his suspension to two racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Heffernan. The IHRB was represented by Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.
Suspension Dates 13 and 16 October 2025