The Referrals Committee, Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Peter Reynolds and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened via Zoom on Friday, 26th February 2021 to consider the referral of Mr. W.J. Burke (Handler) in relation to the identification of Bloomfield Alainn which was due to run on the 25th October 2020 at the Duhallow (F) Dromahane Point to Point.
On the day the identity of the horse could not be confirmed and was therefore withdrawn by the Stewards under Regulation 8 of the Regulations for Point to Point Steeplechases
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Burke. The committee also considered DNA reports received in relation to this matter.
In his evidence, Mr. Burke explained how he had collected two mares from their owner in August 2019. He was informed that one was by the sire Jeremy (which was subsequently named Bloomfield Hall) and the other was by the sire Oscar (which was subsequently named Bloomfield Alainn). He said that both horses were bay and had similar markings and accepted that he mixed up the two mares from this point on. He confirmed that the mare which he produced to run at Duhallow (F) Dromahane Point to Point to run as Bloomfield Alainn was indeed Bloomfield Hall. Mr. Burke added that he has since purchased a microchip reader and apologised for the error which was a genuine mistake.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Burke was in breach of Regulation 86(i)(a) and reminded Mr. Burke of his obligation to ensure that the passport corresponds with each horse in his care. They imposed a fine of €250.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.