TRAINER Paul Gilligan won his appeal this week against ‘non-trier’ penalties but believes the case should have been put to bed on the day of the race.

Following the running of newcomer Bobbisilver in a maiden hurdle at Cork on April 9th, Gilligan was fined €2,000, his son Jack (jockey) suspended for 12 racedays, and the horse suspended for 42 days.

All penalties were overturned at this week’s hearing, the Appeals Panel describing as “overwhelming” the veterinary evidence found post-race that the horse has burst a blood vessel and had severe equine asthma.

Decision

“The Committee are of the view that, had the stewards on the day been in receipt of this evidence, they would not have come to the decision that they did,” the Appeals Panel held.

However, Gilligan told The Irish Field: “The veterinary evidence was available within half an hour of the race. On the day, the IHRB veterinary officer on duty was very helpful and the horse was scoped within 30 minutes of the race. I asked for the findings to be sent to the stewards, and I believe that they were. I don’t understand why the case could not have been re-opened on the day, instead of putting everyone to the trouble of going to an appeal hearing.”