Conor O'Dwyer / Breach of Curragh Training Grounds Regulations

The Referrals Committee, Mrs. J.O. Onions (in the chair), Mrs. T.K. Cooper and Mr. C.E. O’Sullivan met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 7th May 2010 to consider the referral of Conor O’Dwyer, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, in respect of a horse under his care which was found to be using the Curragh Training Grounds on 17th February 2010 without being returned in training.

Evidence was heard from Paul Hensey, Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds Manager, Pat Kelly, Training Grounds Manager and Conor O’Dwyer.  In his evidence, Mr. O’Dwyer admitted the breach of Rule and Order 24.  He outlined the background to the horse not being returned in training and said that he had left instructions for the horse to be returned in training on the morning in question.  However, the horse was not returned when it was checked, though it was returned 25 minutes later. 

Having considered the evidence the Committee found that Conor O’Dwyer was in breach of Rule and Order 24 and fined him €200 in respect of the omission.  The Committee noted that he accepted full responsibility for the horse not being returned but were critical of his casual approach to administration matters.

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