15 Oct 2015 Disciplinary Panel - Appeals against decisions on a Racecourse

Chris Meehan

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday 15 October considered an appeal lodged by Chris Meehan, the rider of MEGALALA (IRE), the winner of the Harringtons Lettings ‘Hands and Heels’ Apprentice Series Stakes on 6 October 2015, against the decision of the Stewards at Brighton, to find him in breach of Rule (B)54.2 of the Rules of Racing in that he had used his whip contrary to the Conditions of the Race and to suspend him from riding for seven days.

The BHA’s case was presented by Lyn Williams. Meehan was represented by Rory Mac Neice, who gave submissions to the Panel. The Panel also viewed recordings of the race.

The Panel found that on the run to the line, Meehan had, with his hands on the reins, raised his right hand in which he held his whip and slapped his mount down the neck. The Panel noted that the Conditions of the Race stated that a rider must not hit his horse with the whip, either with his hands on or off the reins, and that the whip could only be used for safety reasons in exceptional circumstances. The Panel were also aware that prior to the race all jockeys had been briefed on the Conditions of the Race.

The Panel dismissed the appeal and confirmed the seven day suspension on Tuesday 20, Friday 23, Saturday 24, Monday 26, Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 October and Friday 6 November 2015. It ordered that the deposit be forfeited as Meehan had admitted both on the day of the race and before the Panel that he had hit his horse, which was in breach of the Conditions of the Hands and Heels series.

 

Notes to editors:

1. The Panel for the hearing was: Lucinda Cavendish (Chair), Celina Carter, Edward Dorrell.