The Referrals Committee, Mr. J. Patrick Barry (in the Chair), Mr. Mark McMahon and Mr. Michael O’Driscoll, met at Listowel Racecourse on Friday 17th September, 2010, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Catu” trained by Mr. A.J. McNamara, which was due to run at Kilbeggan Racecourse on 7th August, 2010, in the Larcc Cancer Support Centre Mares Maiden Hurdle, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Mr. Andrew Tyrrell, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from Mr. A.J. McNamara, Trainer, who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Catu”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Catu” Bay filly (2006) by City Honours (USA) - Marakiya, at Kilbeggan Racecourse on 7th August was in fact an unnamed 2005 filly by Snurge - Nicat.  They were satisfied that Mr. McNamara had confused the identity of both animals in his care, noting that they were of similar identity with no distinguishable white markings. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. McNamara was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Kilbeggan Racecourse on 7th August and they therefore fined him €400.

The Committee ordered that the name “Catu” should now be registered to the Bay filly (2005) by Snurge - Nicat and not to the Bay filly (2006) by City Honours (USA) - Marakiya.

The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.