About

Provided by Ashfords LLP

Ashfords' Equine and Bloodstock team has long been recognised as leaders in the sector, particularly in relation to sports regulation. The team is lead by Rory Mac Neice, a former professional national hunt jockey. Rory is supported by Joanne Saye who is an experienced horsewoman. The team has in-depth expertise in a wide range of equestrian sports including in horse racing, showjumping, eventing, showing and harness racing.

Ashfords’ practice covers equine sports regulation including race fixing, integrity and anti-doping. The team acts for both regulators and participants in equine sports. Rory Mac Neice has appeared as an advocate in more that 400 disciplinary hearings acting for both regulators and defendants, before regulatory sports bodies in multiple jurisdictions including: the BHA, the FEI, the British Harness Racing Club, the British Show Horse Association, the Joint Measurement Board, France Galop and the Emirates Racing Authority.

We have specialist experience in dealing with equine and equestrian industry litigation disputes including buying and selling, veterinary negligence and product liability.

The dedicated specialist equine and bloodstock expertise provided by Ashfords is available at only very few firms in the UK. Rory and Joanne really understand horses and the equestrian industries, and what drives and motivates clients in this sector. We also have a network of industry specialist experts and barristers to assist clients with their disputes.

Chambers Review

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Sport: Horse Racing & Equestrian - UK-wide
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Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Ashfords has a strong team with extensive contacts in the horse racing industry and a consistent list of instructions in both contentious and non-contentious matters. It is particularly well versed in disciplinary matters involving the British Horseracing Authority and regulatory work. The team prosecutes and defends in integrity matters involving race fixing and anti-doping. Clients include regulatory bodies, horse trainers and jockeys.

Work Highlights

Provided by Ashfords LLP
  • Ashfords acted for leading professional jockey and long-standing client Frankie Dettori in respect of an appeal against suspension incurred at the 2023 Royal Ascot meeting and appearing at the hearing of his appeal as advocate.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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Rory Mac Neice
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Band 1

Rory Mac Neice is highly regarded for his expertise in handling a full range of disciplinary and integrity matters, including anti-doping regulation and race-fixing allegations.

"Rory goes above and beyond time and again, and I have the utmost confidence in his abilities. On several occasions he has achieved results that I would have deemed highly unlikely."

"No one has greater knowledge of the sport nor tactical awareness."

"Rory is an outstanding individual. We could not operate without his expert advice. It's as simple as that."

"Rory is determined, professional, motivated, meticulous and he really listens to his client to work with them to get the result needed."

"Rory's work for us and our members is greatly appreciated for his understanding of the matters and the prompt attention given to urgent cases."

Ranked Lawyers at
Ashfords LLP

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UK-wide

Sport: Horse Racing & Equestrian

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Rory Mac Neice
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Band 1

Members

Provided by Ashfords LLP

Clients

Provided by Ashfords LLP

Ascot Racecourse Limited

Dan Skelton – leading racehorse trainer

Paul Nicholls – champion racehorse trainer

The British Harness Racing Club

The British Show Horse Association Limited

The Joint Measurement Board Limited

The Professional Jockeys Association Limited

The Professional Jockeys Association Limited

The Racecourse Association Limited

Industries

Provided by Ashfords LLP

Eventing

Harness Racing

Horse Racing

Pony Racing

Showing

Showjumping