The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Mr. N.B. Wachman and Mr. Jack Rearden convened at Kilbeggan Racecourse, on 11th September 2020 to consider whether or not K.J. Brouder (Rider) was in breach of any rules as a result of an incident at Galway on 7th September.
On the day, the Stewards received a report from Mr. Frank Lannon, Horse Racing Ireland’s Covid Officer, that K.J. Brouder had wrongfully gained an admission wristband to this meeting for a passenger travelling with him who had not received the required health screening clearance to attend the racemeeting, and having held an enquiry they referred the matter to the CEO of the IHRB for further investigation.
Evidence was heard from Mr. Patrick Kennedy (Solicitor) on behalf of Mr. Brouder.
Mr. Kennedy stated that Mr. Brouder accepted his wrongdoing and that it was a grave misjudgement on his behalf that he did not realise the potential serious consequences that such a breach of the Resumption of Racing Protocols could have. Mr. Kennedy outlined details of Mr. Brouder’s personal circumstances and put forward suggestion to the Referrals Committee for an alternative sanction for his client other than prohibition of attending a racecourse.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Brouder’s conduct was in breach of Rule 272(i) in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the proper conduct, integrity or good reputation of horseracing. The Committee noted the seriousness of the breach in light of the current pandemic situation and possible implications for the horseracing industry as a whole and imposed a fine of €500 and prohibited Mr. Brouder from attending a racecourse for eight weeks.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance. Mr. Brouder was represented by Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara & Co. Solicitors, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Period of prohibition of attending a racecourse: 25th September to 19th November