Patrick Griffin
Random Stable Inspection – 24th May 2010

The Referrals Committee, Philip Caffrey (in the Chair), C.E. O’Sullivan and Mrs. T.K. Cooper met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 9th July to consider a report from James P. Johnston and Carol Murphy, Turf Club Officials, following a visit to the yard of the trainer Patrick Griffin on 24th May 2010 which revealed that six of the seven horses returned in training were not at his premises on the day of the inspection and that of the seven horses, five had never been in his yard for training.  The matter had been referred to the Referrals Committee for further consideration by Denis Egan, Chief Executive.

Evidence was heard from Patrick Griffin who explained the background to the five horses “Castle Heights”, Diego Velasques”, “Maggio(FR)”, “Mar Ocean(FR)” and “Sam Hall(FR)” not being at his premises when the Turf Club officials carried out the inspection. He also explained why “Ford of Wells” was not at his premises and accepted that it was an oversight that he was not returned out of training. Patrick Griffin accepted that he was in breach of Rules 147(vi) in respect of the five horses and Rule 148(vi) in respect of “Ford of Wells”.

Having considered the evidence the Committee noted Patrick Griffin’s admission of the Rule breaches. They also noted that the five horses that were not at the premises arrived a few days after the inspection and that this fact was verified by Turf Club officials when they re-visited. The Committee imposed a fine of €650 for a breach of Rule 147(vi) in respect of the five horses (€130 per horse) and a further fine of €130 in respect of the breach of Rule 148(vi).

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