The Referrals Committee Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Sean Barry and Laurence McFerran met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co Kildare on Tuesday, 17th May 2016 to consider a report from BHP Laboratories in Limerick, stating that the biological fluid sample taken from “Pointview Gale”, trained by Liam Lennon, following the horse’s win in the Daily Mirror Certified Hunters Steeplechase at Down Royal on 17th March 2016 was found to contain Phenylbutazone, which under Rule 20(v) and Regulation R14 is a prohibited substance. The trainer accepted the finding and did not request the B sample to be tested.

Evidence was heard from Liam Lennon.

In his evidence Liam Lennon said he could not understand how “Pointview Gale” tested positive for Phenylbutazone as the horse was not receiving any medication. He said there was a mare in the yard receiving Phenylbutazone and the only explanation he could give was that “Pointview Gale’s” feed must have been contaminated. He outlined how he has implemented procedures to ensure nothing similar occurs in the future. He said he does not keep Phenylbutazone in the yard and only gets it as required. He apologised to the Committee for what occurred.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found Liam Lennon to be in breach of Rule 96(a) and ordered the disqualification of the horse. They imposed a fine of €1,000 on Mr Lennon but waived the fine as they were satisfied the prohibited substance was administered unknowingly and the trainer had taken all reasonable precautions to avoid a breach of this rule.

As result of disqualifying “Pointview Gale” from first place, the Committee ordered the result be amended to read as follows:

First: Goldmineinthe Sky
Second: Hasty Times
Third: Bridge End
Fourth: Miracle At Medinah (GB)

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Turf Club Stipendiary Steward.