The Appeals Body, Mr N. B Wachman (Chairman), Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr John Murphy convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 22 February 2024 to consider the appeal of Darragh O’Keeffe (Rider) following the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Navan on Sunday, 11 February 2024.

Following the running of the Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle , the Raceday Stewards found Mr. O’Keeffe rider of Ascending, in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for seven racedays.

The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr O’Keeffe was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision. 

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr O’Keeffe. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Mr. O’Keeffe explained that he felt he was almost a length clear of Gaucher, ridden by Paul Townend, who was on his inside after they jumped the second last hurdle. Mr O’Keefe stated that he then moved inwards slightly and continued straight until he heard Mr Townend shout that he was on his inside on the approach to a spur. Mr O’Keeffe added that on hearing the shout from Mr Townend he moved back out to not cause any interference.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension imposed on the day.

The appeal was presented by Mr Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare on behalf of Mr O’Keeffe. The IHRB was represented by Mr Andrew Ring, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.

Suspension Dates: 25, 29 February, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 March