The Referrals Committee, Sean Barry (in the Chair), Mrs. Valerie Cooper and Mrs. J.O. Onions, met at the Turf Club Offices on Friday 6th March, 2015, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Bobbythegangster” handled by Don Cashman, which was due to run at the Wexford (F) Point to Point on 18th January, 2015, in the Maiden Race for 5-y-o Geldings, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Andrew Tyrrell, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from Don Cashman, Handler, who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Bobbythegangster”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Bobbythegangster” (2010) b/br g by Luso (GB) - Augusta Victoria, at Wexford (F) Point to Point on 18th January was in fact an unnamed 2010 br g by Craigsteel (GB) - Augusta Lucinda.  They were satisfied that Mr. Cashman had inadvertently confused the identity of both animals in his care, noting that they were of similar identity with no distinguishable white markings. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Cashman was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at the Wexford (F) Point to Point on 18th January.  They noted that he had since purchased a microchip reader and strongly recommended that all licensees should have access to a microchip reader to identify clearly horses in their care and prior to running.  

The Committee ordered that the name “Bobbythegangster” should now be registered to the (2010) br g by Craigsteel (GB) - Augusta Lucinda and not to the (2010) b/br g by Luso (GB) - Augusta Victoria.

The case was presented to the Committee by Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.