The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider the referral of Lee Smyth, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 29th August 2013 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith M.R.C.V.S.  During the inspection they observed that the premises at Black Island Road, Dungannon, was unoccupied despite the fact that 9 horses returned in training were supposed to be stabled there.  

Evidence was heard from Lee Smyth.  The Committee also considered a written report on the visit from Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith.   In his evidence Lee Smyth said he accepted the horses were not being trained from his licensing training establishment at Dungannon.  He outlined the background to the transfer of the horses to a new yard at Magheralin, Co. Down in May 2013 and said the reason he had not registered the new yard was because he wanted to make sure the move was permanent before doing so.  He said the new yard was working well and the old yard was being used presently as an overflow yard for horses that are not in training. 

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted that Lee Smyth had accepted he was in breach of Rule 147(vi) and fined him €350.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare.