The Appeals Body (Division 2) Mr. M.C. Hickey, Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday 18th August 2022 to consider the appeal of Darragh O’Keeffe (Rider) against the decision of the Stewards at Wexford on 5th August 2022.
On the day, following the running of the Think Print & Design Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards found Mr. O’Keeffe, rider of Naturally Blond, in breach of Rule 208(v)(b) in that he had failed to comply with the instruction of the Starter and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for one raceday.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. O’Keeffe was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision. However, prior to the appeal being heard, Mr. O’Keeffe requested to amend his appeal, accepting the breach of Rule 208(v)(b) and the sanction imposed but seeking to vary the date of suspension as declarations had already closed for his original suspension date of 19th August.
At the Appeal Hearing, a written submission from Mr. Andrew Coonan, solicitor, on behalf of Mr. O' Keeffe was considered by the panel.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body confirmed Mr. O’Keeffe’s one day suspension for a breach of Rule 208(v)(b) and instructed that it be served on 20th August and also ordered that his deposit be forfeited.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor and Mr. O’Keeffe was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare.
Dates of suspension: 20th August