The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Nicholas B. Wachman convened in the Stewards Room, The Curragh Racecourse on Tuesday 11th April 2023, to consider whether Mr. Richard O’ Brien (Trainer) was in breach of any rules of racing arising from an Equine Premises Inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 6th October 2021 by IHRB officials.
On the day, the inspection team noted that the annual trainer/employee agreement which must be displayed as a requirement of the Stable Employment Bonus Scheme in accordance with Rule 298(5) was not displayed.
The Referrals Committee considered a written submission from Mr. O’ Brien. In his written submission, Mr. O’Brien accepted that he was in breach of Rule 298(5) as a copy of the agreement was not on display, however stated that all employees in his yard are verbally advised of their entitlements under the scheme.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. O’ Brien in breach of Rule 298(5) and imposed a fine of €250.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.