10 Apr 2014 Disciplinary Panel - Appeals against decisions on a Racecourse Disciplinary Panel - Other decisions

Gavin Sheehan

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority on 10 April 2014 considered an appeal lodged by Gavin Sheehan, the rider of DOLATULO (FR), the winner of the Great Value Wines From Bordeaux Undiscovered Handicap Chase, against the decision of the Stewards at Stratford to find him guilty of careless riding and to suspend him from riding for four days, following an enquiry on 29 March 2014. Sheehan also appealed against the decision of the Stewards to find that DOLATULO (FR) had interfered with BENBENS (IRE), placed second, and that the interference had improved DOLATULO (FR)’s placing, and to reverse the placings.

The Panel heard evidence from Sheehan, who was legally represented, and Sam Twiston-Davies, the rider of BENBENS (IRE). It also viewed recordings of the race.

The Panel found that Sheehan was not guilty of causing any interference to Twiston-Davies. It was satisfied that having landed over the last fence 1½ lengths ahead of Twiston-Davies, Sheehan had every right to maintain the racing line to the commencement of the running rail that was alongside the water jump on the run to the finish line. Twiston-Davies, who was gaining ground, attempted to pass on the unrailed part of the course but had not the speed to do so in time, resulting in him running out of racing room and having to take a check before colliding with the rail.

The Panel therefore upheld Sheehan’s appeal against the finding of Careless riding and quashed the 4 day suspension. As a consequence of finding that Sheehan was not responsible for causing any interference the Panel also upheld the second part of his appeal, placing DOLATULO (FR) first and BENBENS (IRE) second.
Carl Llewellyn

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on 10 April 2014 to consider whether or not Mr Carl Llewellyn had committed a breach of Rule (A)30 of the Rules of Racing in that the comments made by him at a Cheltenham preview event at the Hollow Bottom Public House on Monday 10 March 2014 were prejudicial to the good reputation of horseracing in Great Britain.

The Panel noted that Mr Llewellyn had been a speaker at a ticket-only racing preview forum held on 10 March 2014 at the Hollow Bottom Public House in the presence of supporters of horseracing and media representatives. Comments made by Mr Llewellyn during the first half of the forum had brought horseracing into disrepute in that they had been made in a context which could have had racial connotations and caused offence.

During a break in the forum, Mr Llewellyn apologised to an individual who was present, explaining that it had been an attempt at humour and that he had not intended to cause offence. Prior to the restart of the forum the landlord had also apologised to everyone present on behalf of the public house and Mr Llewellyn.

The Panel further noted that Mr Llewellyn’s conduct had led to adverse publicity for the sport, including attracting comment from the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Equalities.

The Panel accepted an admission from Mr Llewellyn that he was in breach of Rule (A) 30 and his undertaking to make a public apology. Taking into account the high profile Mr Llewellyn continues to hold within the sport following his successful career as a jockey, and his current positions as assistant trainer to Nigel Twiston-Davies and a BHA Jockey Coach, the Panel imposed a fine of £1,500 upon him.
Notes for Editors

1. The Panel for the hearings was: Hopper Cavendish (Chair), Jeremy Barlow and Ian Stark

2. The hearing which was scheduled for today to determine whether Ray Williams, a Permitted Trainer at the time of the alleged breach, is in breach of Rule (A)40 of the Rules of Racing (http://www.britishhorseracing.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Notice-of-forthcoming-Disciplinary-Panel-hearings-Gavin-Sheehan-Carl-Llewellyn-Ray-Williams-49b.aspx) was adjourned before commencement and will be heard on 17 April.

For more information contact: 

Robin Mounsey
British Horseracing Authority
t:02071520048
m:07584171551
e: [email protected]