Edward P. Harty – Breach of Curragh Training Grounds Regulations

The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), John G. Moloney and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club on 3rd April 2012 to consider the referral of Edward P. Harty, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, in respect of two horses under his care which were found to be using the Curragh Training Grounds on 1st February 2012 without being returned in training.

Evidence was heard from Pat Kelly, Manager Curragh Training Grounds, Paul Hensey, General Manager Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds and Edward P. Harty.

In his evidence Edward Harty said that the Orpen gelding was an unnamed horse that was being used solely as a lead horse.  He said that, while he accepted this horse wasn’t returned, it was wrong to impose an automatic fine of €700 for the omission as no training fees are payable in respect of lead horses which was a concessionary arrangement between the Curragh Manager and the Trainers Association.  He said the horse was no good and would not be running.

In relation to the Presenting gelding, Mr. Harty said that this horse had only arrived to his premises on the previous Friday and that he was only using the gallops for the purposes of assessing the horse.  He said he fully intended to return the horse in training if the horse was to remain in training with him.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee accepted Mr. Harty’s explanation for the non-return of the Orpen gelding, but stressed that in future all lead horses should be returned in training to the Curragh Manager prior to using the training grounds.  In relation to the Presenting gelding, the Committee, while accepting the explanation given as being genuine, said that the horse should have been returned in training before using the training ground and therefore imposed a fine of €700.

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