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The Appeals Body, Mr M C Hickey (Chair), Mr Michael Sheahan and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 to consider the appeal of Andrew Slattery (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Gowran Park on 12 June 2026.
On the day, following the running of the Gowran Park Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Slattery, rider of Lauderdale King, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) they suspended him for eight racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Slattery were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Slattery. The Raceday Stewards also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Slattery described his mount as a big horse and it was his intention to keep going forward to avoid being covered up. Mr Slattery explained that his horse has a tendency to hang right and he held his whip in his right hand from the beginning of the race to be in a position to react if necessary. Mr Slattery stated that as the horses were slotting into position, he felt he was a length ahead of Wayne Lordan, rider of Booklight, and when he heard a shout from Mr Lordan, he assumed it was intended for Gabriella Hill, rider of Doctor Grace, but he still took action by gathering up his mount to move left. Mr Slattery stated that he had prevented his mount from causing any interference to the best of his ability.
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 Slattery. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 26, 27, 28, 30 June, 1, 2, 3 and 4 July