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The Appeals Body, Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chair), Mr John Murphy and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 8 January to consider the appeal of Iqbal Khan (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards in Dundalk on 17 December 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Online Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Khan, rider of Lahore Da King, in breach of Regulation 10.3(i), in that he failed to give his mount time to respond. Having considered his record in this regard (third offence), they suspended him for eight racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Khan was against the severity of the sanction imposed.
At the appeal hearing evidence was heard from Mr Khan. The panel also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Khan explained that his mount can be tricky at home and on occasion would duck at a gap on the gallop. Mr Khan stated that he used his whip for corrective purposes in anticipation that his mount may duck for the gate where horses exit for the parade ring.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Khan in breach of Regulation 10.3(i), however due to the circumstances of this case and mitigating factors reduced his suspension to six racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Khan. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 13, 16, 23, 28, 30 January, 6 February 2026