Share to
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 John Shinnick against the severity of the sanction imposed by the Raceday Stewards at Thurles on 30 October 2025.
On the day, following The Two Mile Borris Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Shinnick, rider of Inchiquin Maid, in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for five racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Shinnick were against the severity of the sanction imposed.
At the appeal hearing, submissions were made by Mr Patrick Kennedy on behalf of Mr Shinnick. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his submissions, Mr Kennedy confirmed that Mr Shinnick was in breach of Rule 214 and that the appeal related only to the severity of the sanction imposed. Mr Kennedy said it was unfortunate that two horses fell as a result of misjudgement by Mr Shinnick but pointed to Mr Shinnick’s clean record in this regard.
Having considered the evidence and the submissions made on behalf of Mr Shinnick, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Shinnick in breach of Rule 214 and suspended him for five racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Company Solicitors on behalf of Mr Shinnick. The IHRB was represented by Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.
Suspension Dates: 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 November