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The Appeals Body, Mr Martin O’Donnell (Chair), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday 19 March 2026 to consider the appeal of Kevin Healy (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Limerick on 12 March 2026 to find him in breach of Regulation 10.3(g).
On the day, following the running of The Play Perysbingo.com Veterans Handicap Steeplechase, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Healy, rider of Rocky’s Howya, in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) and having considered his record in regard they suspended him for four racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Healy were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day to find him in breach of Regulation 10.3(g).
At the appeal hearing evidence was heard from Mr Healy. The panel also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Healy explained that his mount was hanging to the right and some of his early use of the whip was for corrective purposes. He further stated that he believed that two strikes after the final fence did not make contact with the horse and he also contended that his whip connected with the running rail only.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body upheld the decision of the Raceday Stewards to find Mr Healy in breach of Regulation 10.3(g).
The appeal was presented by Mr Healy. The IHRB case was presented by Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.
Suspension Dates: 4, 5, 6 and 10 April 2026