Result of an appeal (D. Brown) and enquiries (L. Pearce, R. Stephens and V. Santos) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on Thursday 16 July
David Brown
- On 16 July 2015, the Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) heard an appeal lodged by David Brown, the trainer of HOME AGAIN, against the decision of the Stewards at Leicester on 4 July 2015 not to reverse the placings of the first and second in the Richard III Visitor Centre Selling Stakes. The Stewards found that inside the final furlong, the winner SWEET TABOO (IRE), ridden by Cathy Gannon, had accidental interfered with HOME AGAIN, ridden by Cam Hardie, but that the interference had not improved SWEET TABOO (IRE)’s placing.
- As always, the Disciplinary Panel approached this appeal as a re-hearing. The appeal was presented by David Brown. The BHA's position was represented by Lyn Williams. The Panel also heard evidence from Cam Hardie and Cathy Gannon. It also viewed recordings of the race.
- The Panel found that interference did take place inside the final furlong as a result of SWEET TABOO (IRE) hanging badly right and thus interfering with HOME AGAIN.
- The Panel considered that Ms Gannon had taken all reasonable steps to stop the filly from hanging and in the circumstances the interference was accidental. The Panel rejected Mr Brown’s assertion that Ms Gannon had been guilty of either dangerous riding or careless riding.
- The Panel found that although HOME AGAIN did suffer interference and there was some loss of momentum, that throughout the incident, as Hardie agreed, he did not stop riding, and following the interference HOME AGAIN failed to respond.
- The Panel were satisfied that SWEET TABOO (IRE) had not improved its placing as a result of the interference as it was always going the better of the two horses and won by ½ length.
- The Panel therefore dismissed Brown’s appeal and confirmed the placings. It ordered the deposit to be returned.
