THE Appeals Body has upheld the appeal by trainer David Broad and jockey Robbie Colgan against the decision of the acting stewards at Ballinrobe on April 15th to punish them over the running and riding of Definite Earl.

The case has been compared to the recent Noble Endeavour hearing as it involved major penalties handed down by raceday stewards for an alleged 'non-trier' offence, Following Definite Earl's second place finish at Ballinrobe, Broad was fined €2,000, Colgan was suspended for 21 days and the horse was barred from racing for 60 days.

At the original inquiry Broad stated he was "very satisfied" with Colgan's ride. Colgan told the stewards he had "nursed home" his mount past beaten horses having "squeezed and hunted the horse along throughout." He also said his mount struggled and never travelled.

At an Appeals Body hearing, chaired by Judge Tony Hunt, before racing at Punchestown the Ballinrobe decision was overturned.

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