The Referrals Committee, John Moloney (in the Chair), John Powell and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 4th October 2012 to consider the referral of Damian Joseph English, trainer of All Ablaze, following the running of the Glebe House Stud Nursery Handicap at Bellewstown on 22nd August 2012, where he was referred for possible breach of Rule 213, as the Stewards were of the opinion that he failed to report something that may have affected the horse on his previous run.

Evidence was heard from Damien Joseph English and Mark Bird, Rules of Racing Handicapper.  The Committee also considered written evidence from O’Scanaill and Associates Veterinary Surgeons.

In his evidence, Damien Joseph English said that All Ablaze had run disappointingly at Naas on 25th July following a promising run at Dundalk on 16th July.  At the time he put the poor run down to sticky ground and the proximity of the race to the horse’s previous run at Dundalk.  However, subsequently he became aware that the horse had a dirty nose and was coughing which was possibly the reason for the poor run at Naas.  This matter had not been reported in accordance with the provisions of Rule 213 and Mr. English accepted that he was in breach of the Rule.

Mark Bird told the Committee that All Ablaze had been dropped 1lb following its run at Naas and that had the handicapping team been aware of the fact that the horse’s performance at Naas was affected by a veterinary problem, the horse would not have been dropped.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that Damian Joseph English was in breach of Rule 213 and fined him €250.  They also ordered that he pay a contribution of €250 towards Turf Club costs.  In arriving at the level of the fine the Committee took into account Mr. English’s inexperience and the manner in which he accepted he was in breach of the Rule.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.