Anthony Mullins Random Stable Inspection on 12th August 2006

The Referrals Committee Dr. Gordon A. Holmes (in the Chair), Mr. Edward Flannery and Mrs. J.O. Onions met in the Stand House Hotel, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 23rd May to consider a report from Mr. P.L. Malone and Mr. Ray Bergin, Turf Club Officials, following a visit to the yard of trainer Anthony Mullins on 12th August 2006 which revealed that 30 of the 58 horses returned in training were not at his premises on the day of the inspection.  The matter had been referred to the Referrals Committee for further investigation by Mr. Denis Egan, Keeper of the Matchbook.

Evidence was heard from Anthony Mullins, who accepted that he had not returned the 30 horses out of training in accordance with the provisions of Rule 148(vi)

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found Mr. Mullins guilty of a breach of Rule 148(vi) and imposed a fine of €130 in respect of each omission (total fine €3,900).  They also ordered that he pay costs of €1,000.  In addition they ordered that he attend the next available Trainers Course to be briefed on the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules prior to applying for a licence for the next licensing period.  They also directed that the outcome of the case be reported to the Licensing Committee.

The Committee considered this case to be the most serious case of its type that had come before them and regarded the rule breach as a blatant and absolute disregard of the Rules and were it not for Mr. Mullins’ excellent record and for the manner in which he met the case, a more severe penalty (including the possibility of disqualification) would have been imposed.

The case was presented by Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.