The Referrals Committee Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Philip Caffrey and Laurence McFerran met on the 21st April and 8th May 2017 to consider the referral of Luke Comer Snr. (Trainer) by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a with notice stable inspection by Turf Club officials Dr Lynn Hillyer MRCVS, Alan Dunlop MRCVS, Nicola O’Connor MVB, Michael O’Donoghue, Colleen Murphy and Ion Hamilton at Mr Comer’s training establishments at Dunboyne and Kilternan on 10th April 2017.

The Referrals Committee noted that Mr. Comer had accepted that he was in breach of Rule 148(iv) with regard to the inspection on 10th April 2017. They also noted that Mr. Comer had agreed not to run any horses until he had engaged an appropriate person as an assistant who is in good standing with the regulatory authority and who has been a horse trainer or who is similarly qualified for the post. A fine of €2,500 was imposed and Mr Comer was ordered to make a contribution towards Turf Club costs of €5,000. All charges under Rule 148(i) against Mr Comer were struck out.

The case was presented by Roderick Maguire, B.L., instructed by Cliodhna Guy, Solicitor for the Turf Club. Luke Comer Snr. was represented by Martin Hayden SC and Frank Crean, B.L., instructed by Walkers Solicitors.