Big Game Hunter, disqualified in controversial circumstances at Clonmel last week, has had that decision reversed at an appeal hearing at the Turf Club today.

Details of the appeals hearing follow:

The Appeals Body, (Division Two), Martin P. Donnell, (in the chair), Philip Caffrey and Mrs. T.K. Cooper met in the Turf Club on 1st October 2010 to consider the appeals of Gigginstown House Stud, owners and M.F. Morris, trainer of Big Game Hunter, against the decision of the Stewards at Clonmel on 26th September 2010 when, following the running of the Laganore Maiden Hurdle, the placing of Big Game Hunter, who had originally finished first, was reversed with High Magic, who had originally finished second. In arriving at their decision the Stewards were of the opinion that interference had occurred and that Big Game Hunter had caused interference to High Magic and had improved his placing in so doing.

The grounds of appeal lodged were that the Stewards erred in their decision and that in all the circumstances the Stewards could not be satisfied that Big Game Hunter had in fact improved his position /finishing place vis a vis High Magic which finished second.

Evidence was heard from N.P. Madden, rider of Big Game Hunter, M.F. Morris, Andrew McNamara, rider of High Magic and J.F. O’Shea, trainer of High Magic.

Having considered the evidence the Appeals Body allowed the appeal and reversed the decision taken by the Stewards at Clonmel.

The result now reads:

First: Big Game Hunter

Second: High Magic

Third: Blue Ridge Lane

Fourth: Highland Brave

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club. The Appellants were represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.