Bowfinger / W.P. Mullins – Clonmel, 3rd February 2011

The Referrals Committee, Neville O’Byrne (in the Chair), Ms. Meta Osborne and J.R. Craigie met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 3rd March 2011 to consider the objection lodged by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club against the third placing gained by Bowfinger in the Demesne Maiden Certified Hunters Steeplechase at Clonmel on 3rd February 2011.  The objection was lodged on the basis that Bowfinger was not qualified to run in the race under the conditions of the race, as he had not been placed second, third or fourth in a Certified Hunters Steeplechase or first, second, third or fourth in a Point-to-Point Steeplechase in Ireland between 1st January 2008 and 26th January 2011.  While Bowfinger had won a Point-to-Point it was in April 2007 which was outside the qualification period.

The Committee considered written evidence from W.P. Mullins, trainer who explained the background to the error.  He apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Having considered the evidence the Committee fined W.P. Mullins €400 and disqualified Bowfinger from the race.  They ordered that the result should now read as set out below and that the records should be amended accordingly:-

First: Salsify
Second: Island Peak
Third: Rose of Fairyhill
Fourth: Poplebouchon

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