Emmet Mullins (Trainer) Identity Query Referral - Leopardstown 31st July 2020

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The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Ms. Justice Siobhan Keegan and Dr. Frank Kenny convened at Navan Racecourse on Saturday 4th December, to consider the referral of Emmet Mullins (Trainer) in relation to the identification of Braganza (GB) which was due to run on 31st July 2020 at Leopardstown.

On the day, the identity of the horse could not be confirmed and was therefore withdrawn by the Stewards and the matter was referred to the IHRB for further consideration.

At the Referral Hearing, the committee considered a written submission from Mr. Mullins.

In his submission, Mr. Mullins explained that he was being sent Braganza (GB) to train for a new owner to his yard but when the horse arrived on 2nd May 2020 from a pre-training facility, he had failed to scan the microchip and confirm its identity. He accepted this was his responsibility and that as a result he had wrongly believed that Braganza (GB) was sent to Leopardstown on this day. He stated that on 1st August 2020 he returned the horse that he wrongly believed to be Braganza (GB) to the pre-training facility. He added that since this incident he has put enhanced protocols in place to prevent it happening again.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Mullins was in breach of Rule 90 and reminded him of his obligation to ensure that the passport corresponds with each horse in his care. They imposed a fine of €350.

The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor