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The Appeals Body, Mr Michael Hickey (Chair), Mr Nick Wachman and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday 16 April 2026 to consider the appeal of Chris Hayes (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at The Curragh on 3 April 2026.
On the day, following the running of The Feel The Rush With 1XBet.ie Easter Irish Maiden, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Hayes, rider of Glyfada, 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 Mr Hayes for two racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Hayes was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Hayes. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Hayes stated that his mount was a filly making her debut and who had never been on grass before. Mr Hayes said that the filly showed her inexperience at times during the race and that the incident occurred as a reaction to him trying to get his mount to change her lead. Mr Hayes explained that he had been trying to get her to switch lead for four furlongs and at the point of the incident she just got tangled up with the horse on her outside.
Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sanction imposed by the Raceday Stewards on the day.
The case was presented by Mr Hayes. The IHRB was represented by Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 19 and 22 April