H. Rogers / J.P. Elliott Referrals – Down Royal, 17th March 2006

The Referrals Committee Mr. Gordon A. Holmes (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Mr. John McStay met in the Standhouse Hotel, Curragh, Co. Kildare on 12th April 1006 to investigate the background into the alleged incidents which took place surrounding the request of H. Rogers, Trainer, to the Acting Stewards to replace the nominated rider J.P. Elliott with P.A. Carberry on Tuatha De Danann in the Hoegaarden Mares Beginners Steeplechase at Down Royal on 17th March 2006.  The matter had been referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Keeper of the Matchbook following reports received from Philippe Lafarge, Stewards Secretary and Dr. John Kennedy, Turf Club Medical Officer on duty at Down Royal.

Evidence was heard from Tony Mulraney, Assistant Clerk of the Scales, Dr. John Kennedy, Philippe Lafarge, Dr. W.L. Halley, Senior Turf Club Medical Officer, R. Collins, Owner of Tuatha De Danann and H. Rogers.  The Committee also received a written statement from S.C. Lyons Jockeys Agent.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found that both H. Rogers and J.P. Elliott were in breach of Rule 272 in that they acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing.  They imposed a fine of €1,500 on H. Rogers and ordered that he pay costs of €1,500, while J.P. Elliott was suspended for 24 racedays and ordered to pay costs of €100.

The case was presented by Mr. Brian Price, Solicitor of Wilkinson & Price, Naas, Co. Kildare.  J.P. Elliott was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.  H. Rogers was represented by Mr. Fergus Gallagher, Fitzpatrick Gallagher McEvoy Solicitors, Smithfield, Dublin 7.