Four jockeys controversially penalised by the stewards at Leopardstown on December 28th today won their appeal to the Irish Turf Club.
After a hearing lasting just over 90 minutes the original decision to fine Charlie Swan, Paul Carberry, Conor O'Dwyer and Pat Malone IR#250 apiece and for each to forfeit their riding fees was completely overturned.
The quartet had been punished under rule 212, which deals with non-triers, after the D.I.Y. Christmas Hurdle in which 1-6 favourite Limestone Lad set his usual strong gallop and came home a distance clear of Boss Doyle.
The jockeys and their solicitor Andrew Coonan, a leading amateur rider himself, emerged smiling from the Turf Club after the appeals and referrals committee had found in their favour.
"We got a very fair hearing and were happy that things went our way," said Swan.
"We are delighted with the outcome," said Conor O'Dwyer.
"The original 15-minute inquiry held on the day at Leopardstown was extended to an hour and a half here today, which reflects the fact that we all had a chance to offer a full case and we have succeeded 100%," said Coonan.
"We were able to discuss the case in the cold light of day and in a non-pressure situation. The handicap ratings and evidence from the starter for instance, which were not taken into account at Leopardstown, obviously helped our case."
Ger Lyons, who trained O'Dwyer's mount Spirit Dancer, attended the hearing along with the four riders, while Mouse Morris, who handles the runner-up Boss Doyle, made a written submission.
Lyons regarded the whole exercise as rather unnecessary, remarking: "It was a waste of a morning listening to that stuff. We shouldn't have been here at all."
The appeals and referrals committee comprised Nicholas Wachman in the chair, Michael Hickey and Dr J F Gillespie.
