Cowra jockey Mathew Cahill has successfully appealed a six week suspension handed down by Racing NSW stewards following his ride on the Keith Dyrden trained Balansa in the TAB Federal Open Handicap in Canberra.
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Stewards suspended Cahill after taking evidence from him, trainer Dryden and considering a written report from a Racing NSW Analyst.
No betting irregularities were found but stewards still suspended Cahill, who subsequently appealed the suspension.
On Thursday, January 24, 2019, the ACT Racing Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal), constituted by the President, Mr John Kalokerinos and members Ms Noor Blumer and Ms Kay Barralet heard the matter upholding Cahill’s appeal.
Balansa finished fourth in the event.
The horse has had three subsequent finished last in a field of 10 at Canberra, fourth at the Sapphire Coast and eighth in a field of 11 at Wagga Wagga.
In handing down its decision the Tribunal noted that the case was not an easy one but, on balance, and giving appropriate weight to Cahill’s evidence and that of Mr Dryden, the Tribunal was not satisfied that the Cahill’s actions constituted a breach of the rules of racing.
Before upholding the appeal the Tribunal considered Cahill’s experience, the cogency of his explanation as to why the measures taken by him during the race were reasonable; his knowledge and experience of the temperament and habits of Balansa and the feasibility of the riding tactics available.
