The Referrals Committee, N.B. Wachman (in the Chair), C.P. Magnier and P. Reynolds, met at the Turf Club Offices on Monday 27th April, 2015, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Oscar Lantern” trained by C. Byrnes, which was due to run at Thurles Racecourse on 12th February, 2015, in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Ms. Nicola O’Connor, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from C. Byrnes, Trainer, who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Oscar Lantern”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Oscar Lantern” (2009) b g by Oscar - Knock Me Maxi, at Thurles Racecourse on 12th February was in fact an unnamed (2009) b g by Milan (GB) - Handy Cash.  They were satisfied that the interchange had occurred prior to the animal arriving in Mr. Byrne’s training establishment.  They noted that the right hind markings of both animals were fundamentally different, a fact that should have been observed by Mr. Byrnes while verifying the identification of the animal as required under the provisions of Regulation R8. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Charles Byrnes was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Thurles Racecourse on 12th February and fined him €350.  They noted that he had since purchased a microchip reader and strongly recommended that all licensees should have access to a microchip reader to identify clearly horses in their care prior to running.  

The Committee ordered that the name “Oscar Lantern” should now be registered to the (2009) b g by Milan (GB) - Handy Cash and not to the (2009) b g by Oscar - Knock Me Maxi.

The case was presented to the Committee by Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.