Wayne Hassett won the opening race at Dundalk this evening aboard Pro Bono Alexander but gained an even more important victory at the offices of the IHRB this week when successful in his appeal against a 20-day careless riding ban.

Below is the full text of the Appeal from the IHRB website:

The Appeals Body, Mr Peter Allen (Chairperson), Mr N.B. Wachman and Dr Paddy Molony convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 to consider the appeal of Wayne Hassett (Rider) against the decision of the Raceday Stewards at Dundalk on Friday, 8 March 2024.

Following the running of the CT1 Apprentice Handicap, the Raceday Stewards found Mr Hassett, rider of Anjah in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for 20 racedays.

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

At the Appeal Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Hassett and Mr Niall McCullagh, Jockey Coach to Mr Hassett. The Appeals Body also watched a recording of the race.

In his evidence, Hassett explained that while coming into the straight, his mount was leaning to the right slightly and he tried to correct him but being a seasoned handicapper as he was correcting the horse he horse ducked for the paddock gate. Mr Hassett added that he did everything in his power to keep him straight and once he passed the gate his mount straightened up.

In his evidence, Mr McCullagh explained that Mr Hassett had used corrective measures and did everything in his power to straighten his mount but it was just not possible for him to prevent his mount from lugging towards the gate from half way up the straight.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body allowed the appeal.

The appeal was presented by Mr Kevin Power, Maurice Power Solicitors, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, on behalf of Mr Hassett. The IHRB was represented by, Mr Colman Sweeney IHRB Stipendiary Steward and Ms Clíodhna Guy, Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.