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The Appeals Body, Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chair), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 8 January to consider the appeal of Mr Josh Williamson (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards in Leopardstown on 28 December 2025.
On the day, following the running of The Forest Fest INH Flat Race, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Williamson, rider of Lemmy Caution (FR), in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) suspended him for eight racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr Williamson was that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
Evidence was heard from Mr Williamson. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence, Mr Williamson said that he maintained his racing line at all times and was aware of the three horses to his inside. Mr Williamson added that it was a slowly run race and this was a contributing factor as when the early front runner began to go back through the field it left the horses in behind with nowhere to go and he felt this was the cause of the incident.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.
The appeal was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors LLP on behalf of Mr Williamson. The IHRB was represented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity and Mr Leighton Aspell, IHRB Stipendiary Steward.