The Referrals Committee, Mr Michael Hickey (Chairman), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr Martin O’Donnell convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 3 December to consider the referral of Eric Larkin (Handler) following the Tipperary (F) Lisronagh Point to Point fixture on 2 November 2024.

On the day, the Acting Stewards received a report from Ms Nicola O’Connor, IHRB Veterinary Officer, that she could not positively identify Bar Nonie prior to the 4YO Mares Maiden, for which she was declared. Ms O’Connor added that the microchip scanned appeared to be that of Whatsupnellie.  

At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Larkin.

In his evidence, Mr Larkin apologised for the misunderstanding and accepted he was in breach of the rules for presenting the wrong horse on the day. Mr Larkin explained that both Bar Nonie and Whatsupnellie both had the same owner/breeder and had been mixed up when being sent to their respective trainers. Mr Larkin outlined how he had put steps in place to prevent a reoccurrence.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Larkin in breach of Regulation 85(vi), 90(ii), 90(vi) of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Regulations and fined him €250.

The referral was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.