Keepakicker Prohibited Substance
Thurles – 28th November 2002

The Referrals Committee, Dr. Gordon A. Holmes (in the Chair), Mr. P.J.A. O’Connor and Mrs. T.K. Cooper met in the Standhouse Hotel, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday 29th August 2006 to enquire into a report from BHP Laboratories, Limerick, which stated that the urine sample taken from Keepakicker, trained by E. McNamara, following his win in the Templemore Handicap Steeplechase at Thurles on 28th November 2002 was found to contain Morphine.  Under Rule 20 (v), Morphine is a prohibited substance.

Evidence was heard from Mr. Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, on behalf of the trainer.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that E. McNamara was in breach of Rule 148 (ii) and imposed the mandatory fine of €130.  However, they instructed the fine be waived in view of the evidence furnished.  They also disqualified Keepakicker and ordered that the result be amended to read as follows:-

First:        Monbonami
Second:    Connemara Mist
Third:        Hokitika
Fourth:    Back in Thyne

Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare presented the case to the Committee. E. McNamara was represented by Mr. Andrew Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.