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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, 19 August 2025 to consider the appeal of Mr John Gleeson (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Wexford on 8 August.
On the day, following the running of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (M) INH Flat Race, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Gleeson, rider of Fraher Field, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr Gleeson for nine racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Gleeson was that the facts did not justify a finding of improper riding .
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Gleeson. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Gleeson explained that he made the running throughout the race and in the latter stages it was his intention to position his horse on good ground and therefore he moved towards the rail. Mr Gleeson admitted that he did not see or hear Clarnagh Maid, ridden by Mr Josh Williamson, on his inside. Having viewed a recording of the race, Mr Gleeson accepted that it was an error of judgement, and he would not have carried out his manoeuvre had he been aware of their presence, but it felt it was careless riding on his behalf and not improper riding.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Gleeson in breach of Rule 214(iii) suspend him for nine racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Stephen Lannigan O’Keefe SC, instructed by Mr Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors on behalf of Mr Gleeson. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 August, 5, 8, 12, 19 September 2025