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The Appeals Body, Mr Martin P O’Donnell (Chair), Mr Victor Connolly and Mr John McGuire, convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 6 November 2025 to consider the appeal of Mr Noel McParlan (Rider) against the decision of the Acting Stewards at the Route (H) Portrush Point to Point on 11 October 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Drenagh Sawmills Winner of Three, the Acting Stewards found Mr McParlan, rider of Weespoof, in breach of Regulation 32, Improper Riding. Having considered his record in this regard, the Acting Stewards suspended Mr McParlan for three Point to Point racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr McParlan was that the Acting Stewards erred in their decision.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr McParlan and Ms Nicole Lockhead Anderson, rider of Longhouse Star. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr McParlan outlined that it was his intention to jump off, make the running from the start and to travel on fresh racing ground. Mr McParlan stated that he felt pressure coming from Ms Lockhead Anderson on his inside as soon as they jumped off and his mount turned his head towards the horse on his inside. Mr McParlan said that, in his opinion, Ms Lockhead Anderson did not have to pull or take a check at any point, and he did not cause interference. Mr Parlan suggested that any interference caused was done so by Ms Lockhead Anderson jumping off on his inside.
In her evidence, Ms Lockhead Anderson stated that her instructions were to jump off upsides in front which and she made the other riders aware of this prior to the race. She stated she was intimidated and that she was bumped. Ms Lockhead Anderson described feeling pressure from her outside and as a result of this pressure she was unable to hold her ground or maintain a straight line she stated that there was contact made by Mr McParlan and that he did not take any action to correct his course. Ms Lockhead Anderson confirmed that after receiving a bump she was forced to take a pull to ensure she remained inside the flags.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Stewards holding that Mr McParlan is in breach of Regulation 32 (iv) (3) , improper riding and that the interference was deliberate and also that his riding was far below that of a competent and careful rider. Having heard submissions on penalty, the Appeals Body suspended Mr McParlan for three Point to Point racedays.
The case was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Co Solicitors on behalf of Mr McParlan. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension dates: 8, 9 and 15 November