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The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chair), Mr Victor Connolly and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 30 October to consider the appeal of Charles O’Brien (Trainer), against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Punchestown on 15 October 2025.
On the day the Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Pavilion End (GB), ridden by G Brouder, and trained by Mr O’Brien. The Stewards found Mr O’Brien and Mr Brouder in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii), in that the rider was not seen to have attempted to obtain from his mount, timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place. Having considered their record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards fined Mr O’Brien €3,000 and suspended Pavilion End for 60 days under the provisions of Rule 212(C)(D).
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr O’Brien were the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision on the day.
At the appeal hearing, evidence was heard from Mr O’Brien, and the panel viewed a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr O’Brien outlined the progress Pavilion End has made from his first run this season in Kilbeggan where he jumped poorly and was keen, to an improved performance in Gowran Park where Mr O’Brien felt the ground was too soft. Mr O’Brien added that the ground conditions in Punchestown were more suitable and with the addition of a hood and a rider who is familiar with the horse, Pavilion End was given every chance to perform to the best of his ability. Mr O’Brien confirmed his instructions to Mr Brouder were as outlined to the Raceday Stewards on the day. However, Mr O’Brien explained that he was at the sales in Newmarket during the race and had only watched it on his phone live and as a result had not seen Pavillion End in the closing stages. Mr O’Brien stated that he had seen better rides and worse rides but for 80 per cent of the race he was satisfied with the ride his horse got but having seen all the integrity camera footage he was dissatisfied in the closing stages.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed Mr O’Brien’s appeal in relation to the fine of €3,000 but pursuant to Rule 212(C)(d) confirmed the 60 day suspension for Pavillon End to commence from 1 November 2025.
The appeal was presented by Mr O’Brien. The IHRB was represented by Mr Paul Deegan, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.