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The Appeals Body, Mr N B Wachman (Chair), Mr Marcus Magnier and Dr Paddy Molony convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday 11 November to consider the appeal of Mr Conor Stone-Walsh (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Fairyhouse on 4 November 2025.
On the day, following The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Stone-Walsh, rider of Code Name Cubitt, in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Stone-Walsh was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision as he felt he did all that he could to maintain and correct his mount within his racing line.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Stone-Walsh. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Stone-Walsh described how his mount jumped well, cleared the hurdle and was travelling well when he became aware of D Meyler, rider of Circle of Secrets (FR), who had jumped slowly coming along on his inside. Mr Stone-Walsh explained that he then raised his left arm in order to maintain his racing line, and as it had become tight coming around the bend he had to wait for space to become available allowing him to move out and away from Mr Meyler however he felt he did not take Mr Meylers ground.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal owing to the balance of probability and the fact this was an Academy Hurdle for 3 year old horses who are not experienced at jumping in public.
The appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Company Solicitors on behalf of Mr Stone-Walsh. The IHRB was represented by Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.