Today’s appeal hearing regarding James Babbs and John Celaschi has concluded, with the Appeal Board partially upholding the appeal.

The breaches of Rules found against Babbs and Celaschi by the Disciplinary Panel, along with the subsequent verdicts of the Appeal Board, are as follows:

James Babbs

Was disqualified by Disciplinary Panel for four years for two breaches of Rule (A)37 (assisting and/or causing the commission of a corrupt or fraudulent practice) and 18 months for breach of Rule (E)92 (laying a horse to lose or assisting in laying a horse to lose), with disqualifications to run concurrently.

FINDINGS OF APPEAL BOARD
Appeal against breaches of Rule (A)37 – APPEAL UPHELD
Appeal against breach of Rule (E)92 on one count – APPEAL NOT UPHELD

John Celaschi

Was disqualified by Disciplinary Panel for four years for two breaches of Rule (A)41 (involvement in corrupt or fraudulent practices in relation to racing) and 18 months for breach of Rule (A)37 (assisting Mr Babbs to lay a horse to lose), with disqualifications to run concurrently.

FINDINGS OF APPEAL BOARD
Appeal against breaches of Rule (A)41 on two counts – APPEAL UPHELD
Appeal against breach of Rule (A)37 on one count – APPEAL NOT UPHELD

The appeal process is still technically ongoing, with the next stage being submissions on penalty for the parts of the appeal which were not upheld to be made by both parties, which will then be considered by the Appeal Board with a decision on penalty to be announced in due course.

James Babbs and John Celaschi were represented by Ian Winter QC, who was instructed by Christopher Stewart-Moore. The BHA were represented by Phil Evans of QEB Hollis Whiteman.