Share to
The Appeals Body, Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chair), Mr Raymond J McSharry and Mr Victor Connolly convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 22 December to consider the appeal of Donagh Meyler (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards in Navan on 14 December 2025.
On the day, following the running of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Meyler 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 Meyler for eight racedays.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Meyler. The panel also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Meyler outlined how he ran short of room and felt that he had to take evasive action to avoid clipping heels or doing something catastrophic. In his opinion the incident was the result of a concertina effect.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards and suspended Mr Meyler for eight racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Co Solicitors on behalf of Mr Meyler. 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: 28, 29, 31 December 2025, 1, 3, 4, 8 and 10 January 2026.