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The Appeals Body, Mr Anthony Byrne (Chair) Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 11 December to consider the appeal of Killian Leonard (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on 28 November 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Stadium Nursery Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Leonard, rider of Mr Kobe, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard (third offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr Leonard for six racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Leonard were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Leonard. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Leonard explained that his mount was somewhat inexperienced and running free, he said he had reported to the Clerk of the Scales after the race that his mount ran keen to the first bend. Mr Leonard said that it got congested and despite his best efforts to take his mount back, things got a little tight for the horse on his inside but Mr Leonard stated that it was not as a result of interference caused by him.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr Leonard. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward.