Charles Byrnes, Trainer / R.J. Jones, Rider Referrals – Limerick, 26th December 2013   The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt, (in the chair), Philip Caffrey and Nicholas Lambert met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Wednesday 16th April 2014 to consider the referrals of R.J. Jones, rider, and Charles Byrnes, trainer, by the Stewards at Limerick on 26th December 2013 following the running of the Anglo Printers Maiden Hurdle.  The referral was a result of evidence which was tendered at an enquiry on the day into the running and riding of Feenakilmeedy that the horse “gave a heave and gurgled in running”.  This fact had not been reported prior to the commencement of the enquiry in accordance with Rule 213(ii).  

Evidence was heard from Charles Byrnes, Derry White, trainer’s authorised representative at Limerick on 26th December 2014 and Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club. The Committee did not hear evidence from R.J. Jones as he failed to appear even though he had been notified of the hearing.  

In his evidence Charles Byrnes said that he was not at Limerick on the day in question and that Derry White had been acting for him. He said that Mr. White was unaware that the horse gave a heave and gurgled in running.  Derry White confirmed this and said that R.J. Jones had spoken to the owners after the race and he was unaware of what was said.  

Denis Egan said that R.J. Jones had been informed of the hearing date by post and that it was not possible to verify whether or not he would attend as he did not respond to any phone messages left including one this morning.  

Having considered the evidence and the transcript of the evidence at the original enquiry at Limerick on 27th December 2013, the Committee accepted the explanations given by Charles Byrnes and Derry White.  They found R.J. Jones to be in breach of Rule 213(ii) and fined him €250. In arriving at their decision the Committee noted that R.J. Jones had told the Stewards at Limerick he had informed the owners that the horse gave a heave and gurgled in running but that he had failed to report this in accordance with the Rule. The Committee directed that R.J. Jones be informed of the Committee’s decision.  

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.