The Referrals Committee, Philip Caffrey (in the Chair), J.R. Craigie and John Moloney met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 12th October 2010 to consider the referral of J.P. O’Brien, apprentice jockey, by the Stewards at Listowel on 17th September 2010 when following the running of the Listowel Printing Works Maiden, they were unable to conduct an enquiry into J.P. O’Brien’s use of the whip on Battleoftrafalgar (GB) as he had left the track.

Evidence was heard from A.P. O’Brien, trainer of Battleoftrafalgar (GB) and master of J.P. O’Brien, C. O’Donoghue, rider who rode the horse on a previous occasion and J.P. O’Brien.  Videos of the race were also reviewed.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that J.P. O’Brien was in breach of Regulation R10 as they were of the opinion that he used his whip with excessive frequency.  They also found that A.P. O’Brien was in breach of Regulation R10 5 in relation to the instructions given to J.P. O’Brien.  They imposed a ban of two race days (6th and 12th November) on J.P. O’Brien and severely cautioned A.P. O’Brien in relation to the instructions given which in the view of the Committee contributed to the breach of the rule.

The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co Kildare.  J.P. O’Brien was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co Kildare.