Early Start – Cork 4th May 2007

The Referrals Committee, Dr. Gordon A. Holmes (in the chair), Mr. Edward Flannery and Mrs. J.O. Onions met in the Stand House Hotel, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 23rd May to investigate the background into why the Cork Stakes at Cork on 4th May 2007 started four minutes before the advertised starting time of 5.50 p.m..  The matter had been referred by the Acting Stewards at Cork to the Referrals Committee for full investigation.

Evidence was heard from Philippe Lafarge, Stewards Secretary, J.R. Banahan, Starter and P.R. McGouran, Clerk of the Course.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found that both J.R. Banahan and P.R. McGouran were in breach of Rule 272 and referred both to the Chief Executive to be dealt with under the internal Turf Club Disciplinary Procedures.  The Committee noted that there were procedures in place since the previous incident at Galway involving an early start in 2004 which were designed to ensure that races did not start before the advertised time and that these had not been followed.  The Committee stressed the importance of the guidelines being strictly followed in future. 

The Committee complimented J.R. Banahan and P.R. McGouran on the manner in which they presented their evidence and in the way they approached the case.

The case was presented by Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.