The Referrals Committee, Laurence McFerran (in the chair), Mrs T.K. Cooper and Mrs. J.O. Onions met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co Kildare on Thursday 8th March 2018 to consider the Referral of Anthony Mullins, Trainer, by the Stewards at Dundalk on 2nd February 2018 following the running of the Meat Boutique Handicap.
On the night they were unable to conduct an enquiry (as Anthony Mullins had not nominated an authorised representative) into the circumstances surrounding L.T. McAteer, apprentice jockey, presenting himself at scales 2lbs overweight at weighing out, when no overweight had been declared by Mr Mullins.
Evidence was heard from Anthony Mullins.
In his evidence, Anthony Mullins said that he had given a letter of authorisation to his head girl on the night but she had mislaid the letter. He said he has now registered a permanent authority to act for her.
With regard to the overweight, Mr Mullins said he was unaware that L.T. McAteer would be unable to ride at the required weight, as he had ridden the horse on two previous occasions at lower weights.
Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found that Anthony Mullins was in breach of Rule 147(v) for failing to nominate an authorize representative and imposed a fine of €130. They also found him to be in breach of Rule 195(i) for failing to declare overweight. The Committee did not impose any penalty other than to remind him of his responsibility in respect of this rule breach in view of the specific circumstances of the case.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Compliance and Licensing.