Charles Byrnes Referral
Waterford & Tramore, 1st January, 2007.

The Referrals Committee, Dr. Gordon A. Holmes (in the Chair), Mr. P.J.A. O’Connor and Mrs. J.O. Onions, met at the Stand House Hotel, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2007, to consider a referral from the Acting Stewards at Tramore on 1st January, 2007, when following the running of the Wilf Dooley Chase, the Stewards wished to hold an enquiry into the apparent improvement of form of “Cloudy Bays”, trained by Mr. Charles Byrnes.  Mr. Byrne’s representative, Ms. Georgina O’Shea, had no permission to represent Mr. Byrnes lodged and therefore the Stewards had no option but to refer both matters to the Referrals Committee.  The Committee heard evidence from Mr. Charles Byrnes, Trainer, and Andrew Shaw, National Hunt Handicapper.

Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found Mr. Byrnes to be in breach of Rule 147 (vi) and fined him €300.  The Committee noted extenuating circumstances in this case.

The Chairman advised that he will not treat future breaches of this Rule lightly.

The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson and Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.