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The Appeals Body, Mr N B Wachman (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 12 August to consider the appeal of Sean Cleary Farrell (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Galway on 3 August 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Cleary Farrell, rider of Miss Dishy, in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
The grounds of the appeal lodged by Mr Cleary Farrell were that he did not ride carelessly and took all reasonable and permissible measures to avoid interference occurring.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Cleary Farrell. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Cleary Farrell stated that he was aware of an incident on his inside before he felt any contact. Mr Cleary Farrell said that he took action as quickly as he could to keep his mount away from the situation as soon as he heard shouting from another rider. Mr Cleary Farrell added, in his opinion, the incident was as a result of things getting tight on his inside and not by him.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Cleary Farrell in breach of Rule 214. Having considered Mr Cleary Farrell’s record, the Appeals Body imposed a suspension of two days.
The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors on behalf of Mr Cleary Farrell. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates 17 and 20 August 2025