The Appeals Body, Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr. Peter N. Reynolds and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday, 29 January 2024 to consider the appeal of R.A. Doyle (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Naas on Friday, 12 January 2024.
On the day, following the running of the Matt Britton Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle, the Stewards found Mr. Doyle rider of Tell Us This, trained by Gavin Cromwell, in breach of Rule 212A(ii), in that he had ridden the horse in such a way that the horse was not seen to have been the subject of a genuine attempt to obtain from the horse timely, real and substantial efforts to obtain the best possible place and they suspended him for 10 racedays.
The grounds of appeal lodged by Mr. Doyle was that the Stewards on the day erred in their decision.
At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Doyle. The appeals body also watched a recording of the race in question.
In his evidence, Mr. Doyle stated that his instructions from Mr. Cromwell were to ride the horse to the best of his ability. Mr Doyle explained that the race was run at a steady pace but that the field quickened considerably from five furlongs out. Mr. Doyle admitted that he realised at this point he was too far back to get enough light at his hurdles and he was meeting with horses coming back in the field. Mr. Doyle accepted that he could have given the horse a stronger ride but stated that in hindsight he misjudged the race. Mr. Doyle concluded that he felt he had given the horse a bad ride and referred to his unblemished record in relation to Rule 212.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and confirmed the suspension of 10 racedays.
The appeal was presented by Mr. Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, County Kildare on behalf of Mr. Doyle. The IHRB was represented by Paul Deegan, IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms. Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.
Suspension Dates: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th 11th, 15th, 17th & 18th February