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The Appeals Body, Mr Martin O’Donnell (Chair), Mr Laurence McFerran and Mr John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday 21 July to consider the appeal of the Stackallen Jumpers Partnership (Owner) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Cork on 10 July 2026.
On the day, following the running of the Sign Up To Our Newsletter Mares Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference from the last hurdle to the finish line involving Arctic Flame, ridden by S D Torrens, placed first, and Bossy Bird, ridden by H E Sexton, placed second; where it appeared interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Arctic Flame had caused interference to Bossy Bird she did not improve her finishing position as a result of this interference, so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings.
The grounds of appeal lodged by the Stackallen Jumpers Partnership, owner of Bossy Bird was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision by not reversing the placings of the first and second placed horses.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Harry Sexton and Mr Simon Torrens. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Sexton, rider of Bossy Bird, outlined how his horse jumped well, was gaining ground on the approach to the last hurdle and was a length down when Mr Torrens’ mount drifted across him which resulted in Bossy Bird jumping the hurdle slowly. Mr Sexton further explained that he committed to travelling on the outside after jumping the last as he believed this gave him a clear run and provided his best chance of winning, however he felt that his horse was intimidated, did not get a clear run when it got tight and his ground was taken from him with the gap closing 75 yards from the line. Mr Sexton also stated that he gave a shout approximately 10 strides after the final hurdle and again when it became tight at the rail.
In his evidence, Mr Torrens, described how he tried to the best of his ability to keep his mount straight when she began to hang following the second last hurdle. Mr Torrens stated that he did not hear a shout from Mr Sexton and the first time he was aware of him challenging on his outside was when he heard the rail crack. Mr Torrens also stated that he was not aware of any contact with Mr Sexton’s horse. Mr Torrens explained that he did not expect anyone to travel along the rail as he felt that his mount was clearly hanging and in his opinion had his horse run straight and not forfeit ground she would have won by a greater distance.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal.
The case was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors. Mr Torrens was represented by Mr Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors. The IHRB was represented Mr Liam Walsh, IHRB Senior Stipendiary Steward and Ms Hannah Smullen BL.