The Appeals Body, Mr. Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Dr. Paddy Molony and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the IHRB on Monday 24th July 2023 to consider the appeal of All Stars Racing Syndicate, owner of Lady Fox against the decision of the Stewards at Navan on the 15th July 2023.
On the day, following the running of the Navan Adventure Centre Maiden, the Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Lady Fox, ridden by H.J. Horgan, placed first and Freedom Falls, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Lady Fox had caused interference to Freedom Falls and as a result of this interference improved its finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first and second placed horses.
The grounds of appeal lodged on behalf of All Stars Racing Syndicate, owner of Lady Fox, were that the Raceday Stewards erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. John Feane, Trainer of Lady Fox, Hugh Horgan, Rider of Stay Alert and Jack Davison, Trainer of Freedom Falls. The Committee also watched a recording of the race.
In his evidence Mr. Feane said that he didn’t feel Lady Fox had caused interference to Freedom Falls as it wasn’t until the last 25 yards that his filly had got upsides Freedom Falls and went to win her race, at which point no interference was caused. Mr. Feane stated that prior to the last 25 yards, Lady Fox was at least a quarter of a length down and with no contact being made between the two horses and the fact that Freedom Falls was wearing cheek-pieces, he didn’t feel that his filly could intimidate the other filly. Mr. Feane added that Freedom Falls had drifted previously in a race last September and that on this occasion Lady Fox was just following her to the left through lack of experience.
In his evidence, Mr. Horgan stated that it was a first run for Lady Fox and that through greenness she followed Freedom Falls towards the inside rail. Mr. Horgan stated that there was a crosswind on the day which also wasn’t helpful to the situation, but he didn’t feel that he had caused any interference. Mr. Horgan confirmed that he didn’t feel he ever had to take any action to change her course and that Freedom Falls had drifted more so than his mount.
In his evidence, Mr. Davison explained that Freedom Falls is a small filly who was intimidated by Lady Fox and the manner in which Mr. Horgan had ridden that filly to lean in on Freedom Falls towards the inside rail in the closing stages.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and the amended result on the day stands.
Navan Adventure Centre Maiden
First: Freedom Falls
Second: Lady Fox
Third: Rebecca’s Girl
Fourth: Paradise Perfect (USA)
Fifth: Brookie Cookie
Sixth: Smooth Sky
The appeal was presented by Mr. John Feane, Trainer of Lady Fox, on behalf of All Stars Racing Syndicate. Mr. Horgan was accompanied by Mr. Brendan Powell and Mr. Davison represented himself. The IHRB was represented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.