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The Appeals Body of Mr Michael Hickey (Chairman), Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 23 September to consider the appeal of Jamie Powell (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Leopardstown on 13 September 2025.
On the day, following the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Petingo Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Powell, rider of Lord Church in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered Mr Powell’s record in this regard (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Powell was that he felt he did not cause interference and maintained his racing line at all times around the first bend.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Powell. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race,
In his evidence, Mr Powell stated that on the approach to the first bend, all riders were close together and it was becoming tight, however he did not receive any pressure from his outside as they turned the bend. Mr Powell explained that he maintained his line and did not contribute to any movement on his inside and described how Rory Cleary, rider of Buddy One was the only rider to give a shout prior to the incident.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal as they could not apportion blame to Mr Powell for the incident.
The appeal was presented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors on behalf of Mr Powell. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.