The Referrals Committee, Mr. Sean Barry (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Philip Caffrey met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday 13th December 2018, to consider the to consider the referral of Dermot McLoughlin, Trainer by the Stewards in Dundalk on 17th August 2018.

On the day, the Stewards received a report from Ms. Joan Taylor, IHRB Veterinary Officer in relation to the identity of Arlecchinco’s Rock (GB) , which was a declared runner in the race, that the markings in the passport did not correspond with the horse presented. As a result, the Stewards, in compliance with Rule 90 (vi), ordered the withdrawal of Arlecchinco’s Rock (GB), and referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for investigation.

Mr. McLoughlin did not attend the hearing and took up the option of making submissions in writing for consideration in lieu of attending. In his written submissions, he set out the chain of events which had led to the incorrect horse being brought to the racecourse on the day in question and apologised for the error and inconvenience caused.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted the circumstances which led to the error and noted that the horse had not run in the race. They reminded the trainer of his responsibilities to ensure that such an error did not occur again and did not impose any additional sanction.

The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal & Compliance & Licensing.