The Appeals Body (Division 2), Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair) Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. John Murphy convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on 8th October 2020 to consider the Appeal of Robert Murphy (Trainer) against the decision of the Stewards at Listowel on 20th September 2020.
On the day, the Stewards considered a report from Ms. Joan Taylor (IHRB Veterinary Officer) regarding the condition of a horse, who had travelled as a companion with Mr. Murphy’s charge, Darrens Hope, on the day but had been left alone in a horsebox in the stable yard car park. The Stewards found Mr. Murphy in breach of Rule 272(i) and Rule 148(i), in that he had acted in a manner which is prejudicial to the proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing, and they fined him €500. The grounds of the appeal lodged by Mr. Murphy were that there were mitigating factors involving a third party as to why the horse had been unattended for a short period of time.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Murphy and Mr. John Fitzgerald (Restricted Trainers Association) and the Appeals Body also watched a recording of the horse left unattended which had been taken by Ms. Taylor.
In his evidence, Mr. Murphy outlined the circumstances which resulted in the horse being left unattended. He stated that he travelled to the races with another individual who, without Mr. Murphy’s knowledge, had left the horse unattended to take some medication. Mr. Fitzgerald advised that Mr. Murphy had not been aware that a companion horse may be permitted to enter the stable yard and on that basis had not sought to make any arrangement to bring the companion into the stable yard.
Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body dismissed the appeal and they confirmed the decision of the Stewards on the day.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance. Mr. Murphy was accompanied by Mr. John Fitzgerald, Restricted Trainers Association.