Rory Mac Neice
Partner
T: +44 (0)1392 334006
F: +44 (0)1392 337006
r.macneice@ashfords.co.uk
A former professional National Hunt jockey, Rory is a Partner in the Commercial Litigation Team. Rory specialises in sport, primarily horse racing and acts for leading trainers and jockeys as well as major racecourses and the Racecourse Association Limited.
Rory acts for clients in other sports including Motorsport, Cricket, Boxing, Snooker and Rugby.
Rory advises clients on product liability and regulatory issues including advising on emergency response and reputation management.
Rory also advises lenders in respect of negligent and fraudulent transactions against valuers, solicitors and mortgage brokers and worked on a number of Managed Litigation Projects run by major Lenders in the late 1990's and early 2000's.
Rory joined Ashfords in 2004. Prior to Ashfords he worked for Burges Salmon.
Recent projects include:
- advising a first team coach of a leading County Cricket Club regarding his contract;
- acting for Frankie Dettori in respect to a successful appeal against suspension allowing him to ride in and win the Celebration Mile at Goodwood;
- advising a World Champion Clay Target Shooter on International Regulations;
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advising an international Slalom Canoeist on her country's selection criteria for the national team;
- advising a number of British and Irish athletes on Olympic selection, including a current Commonwealth Champion gymnast;
- defending UK racecourses against a £380 million claim over TV rights to UK horse racing in Russia and the former Eastern Block countries;
- advising a leading trainer in relation to his involvement in the BBC's Kenyan Confronts programme;
- representing jockey Sean Fox in his successful appeal against allegations that he jumped off a horse during a race;
- representing Champion jockey Tony McCoy in a successful appeal at the Jockey Club as well as the 15 times Champion Trainer, Martin Pipe CBE;
- Rory acted for leading jockey, Johnny Murtagh, in his successful appeal against suspension, allowing him to take the winning ride on Motivator in the Epsom Derby;
- advising rugby players on contract negotiations with their clubs;
- advising boxers and promotors on contractual issues including mandatory title defence obligations;
- advising a regional cricket regulator in relation to Kolpak regulations;
- advising a GP2 team on driver / testing contracts; and
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advising represenative bodies in sport on rule and regulation changes.
"has an excellent reputation"
‘incredibly focused and meticulous’
Rory Mac Neice has ‘extensive industry knowledge’ and ‘admirable speed, quality, and accuracy’.
Legal 500, 2010 Edition
Ranked as a leader in the field by Chambers 2010
“A passionate and able advocate,” even his opponents admire his commitment to “fight tooth and nail for his clients.”
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2010 Edition
"suberb litigator" Rory Mac Neice is viewed by enthusiastic clients as an "assiduous, direct and positive individual." Although best known for his equestrian expertise, he was recently engaged in a major shareholder dispute."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2009 Edition
"tenacious and hard-working" Rory Mac Neice ensures this team a high rating. "A born fighter," he is noted for his bold style and perseverance - "he never gives up, and can win against the odds."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2008 Edition
"clearly understands the complexities and practicalities of the industry', say clients."
Legal 500, 2007 Edition
"Rory singled out as "a solicitor advocate who does really good work."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2007 Edition
"Litigator Rory Mac Neice "really knows his stuff." Clients appreciate that he has "detailed specialist knowledge and always gives sound advice." He has the mentality of a sportsman in the sense that he "does not like losing"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2006 Edition
"He understands how racing works"
Legal 500 2004 Edition
