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The Appeals Body, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chair), Mr Nick Wachman and Ms Linda Harney convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 11 June to consider the appeal of Julian Pietropaolo (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Gowran Park on 1 June 2026.
On the day, following the running of the Sonix Entertainment Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Pietropaolo, rider of Voice of Reason, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Pietropaolo were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Pietropaolo and submissions were considered from Mr McCullagh.
In his evidence, Mr Pietropaolo explained that he felt he had jumped well, went forward and held his racing line coming around the bend. Mr Pietropaolo stated that while he was aware of other riders, he did not hear a shout from anyone to indicate that space was becoming tight.
In his submission, Mr McCullagh stated that Mr Pietropaolo had maintained his racing line rounding the bend on an experienced handicapper. Mr McCullagh said he felt that any interference was not attributable to Mr Pietropaolo and was possibly a result of both Beauparc, ridden by Colin Keane, coming off the bend slightly and Stellar Quality, ridden by Shane Foley, being slightly less experienced in handicap company and the runners just met a pinch point on the bend.
Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and having considered his record (third offence) in this regard they suspended him for eight racedays.
The case was presented by Mr Pietropaolo, accompanied by Mr Niall McCullagh, Jockey Coach. The IHRB was represented by Ms Michelle Byrne, IHRB Regulatory Support Executive and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 18, 19, 20, 22 June 2, 3, 4 and 7 July