Renowned for its market-leading expertise in the equestrian and horse racing fields, Ashfords LLP provides ‘unparalleled service’ to clients in sports regulation, contractual, and negligence matters. The team also brings strong capabilities across a range of sports sectors, with particular expertise in swimming, golf, football, and tennis. The Bristol-based sports practice is led by the ’standout’ Rory Mac Neice, who is regarded as an expert in the equine and bloodstock sector. Mac Neice harnesses ‘deep knowledge of the relevant rules and regulations’ to act for both sportspersons and regulators in issues ranging from anti-doping violations, race and match fixing, and safeguarding, particularly within the horseracing industry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent coverage sport with strength in all areas. The best firm in the West Country for sport, with a national profile.’
‘Rory MacNeice: standout lawyer and individual with particular knowledge of and expertise in racing and all matters equine. He also has excellent judgement and deep knowledge of the relevant rules and regulations.’
‘Ashfords LLP has provided us with unparalleled service. The team are always reachable and consistently provide invaluable guidance across a number of areas.’
‘The team at Ashfords have, for a considerable number of years, given us the exceptional guidance across a variety of areas. I have to give a specific mention to Rory MacNeice, who has provided us and our membership with an incredible service for a significant period of time. He has gone above and beyond on a regular basis. ’
Key clients
- Harry Cobden
- The Professional Jockey’s Association Ltd
- The National Trainers Federation
- Sir Mark Todd
- Paul Nolan
- British Harness Racing Club Ltd
- British Show Horse Association Ltd
- Mickley Stud Ltd
- Gainsborough Thoroughbreds Ltd
- Ed Dunlop Racing Ltd
Work highlights
Acting for the Champion Jockey Harry Cobden in respect of a successful appeal against the decision of racecourse stewards to suspend him following a finding of an in-race breach of the Rules of Racing.
Acting for Michael Nolan, a leading professional jockey, in respect of two separate appeals against decisions of racecourse stewards to suspend him winning on both occasions including in relation to a televised race at Cheltenham.
Acting for an apprentice jockey in successfully defending him against an allegation of failure to submit to an anti-doping control at the racecourse on the basis of the impact of his condition of ADHD on his ability to comply without appropriate measures being put in place.
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Practice head
Rory Mac Neice