The Referrals Committee, Mrs. Justice Siobhan Keegan (in the chair), Mr. Peter N. Reynolds and Mr. N. B. Wachman convened via Zoom on Monday, 12th July 2021 to consider the referral of Denis Paul Murphy (Handler) in relation to the identification of Buachaill Galanta which was due to run on 1st May 2021 at the Tipperary (F) Lisronagh Point to Point.
On the day the identity of the horse could not be confirmed and was therefore withdrawn by the Stewards under Regulation 8 of the Regulations for Point to Point Steeplechases.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. Murphy. The committee also considered DNA reports received in relation to this matter.
In his evidence, Mr. Murphy explained that he usually buys his horses at Public Auction but in this instance he had collected the horse from the breeder, Mr. Joseph Walshe. He said that Mr. Walshe only has two mares and in November 2020 he was under the impression he was receiving a three-year-old gelding by Snow Sky (GB) x Galant Tour. Mr. Murphy completed the naming form in February 2021 on behalf of Mr. Walshe and accepted that he didn’t check the microchip number as his scanner was not working. He added that he was very surprised when turning up to the Point to Point at Lisronagh and discovering that the horse he presented as Buachaill Galanta did not correspond with the microchip number. The horse presented was in fact a gelding by Alkaadhem (GB) x Roses And Wine. Mr. Murphy confirmed that he has since replaced his faulty microchip scanner.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Murphy was in breach of Regulation 86(i)(a) and reminded him of his obligation to ensure that the passport corresponds with each horse in his care. They imposed a fine of €250.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.