The Referrals Committee N.B. Wachman (in the Chair), C.P. Magnier and Peter N. Reynolds met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co Kildare on Wednesday, 29th June 2016 to consider whether or not Gordon Elliott and C.D. Timmons, trainer and rider respectively, were in breach of any rules as a result of the running and riding of Baroque Style at Down Royal on 17th June 2016 in the Hamilton And Kirk Beginners Steeplechase. On the day the Stewards were unable to conclude an enquiry as Gordon Elliott had not nominated an authorised representative to act on his behalf.

Evidence was heard from Gordon Elliott and C.D. Timmons. Film of the race was also reviewed.

In his evidence Gordon Elliott accepted he was in breach of Rule 147(v) for failing to appoint an authorised representative at Down Royal on 17th June 2016 and said that this was due to an oversight. He apologised for the omission and said that the situation had now been rectified.

Mr Elliott said Baroque Style was fit and went to Down Royal with a winning chance. He said the horse was well schooled and he outlined the horse’s preparation in advance of the race. He said the instructions were to jump off, get the horse settled and jumping well, and to finish in the best possible place. He said the jockey was instructed not to do anything in a hurry as the horse had burst blood vessels in the past, and if the pressure was applied suddenly the horse could bleed. He confirmed that the horse had burst on a previous run at Leopardstown and on the gallops. He also confirmed that Oliver Murphy (part owner) had made a post race report to the Stewards that the horse was found to have burst a blood vessel on endoscopic examination following the run.

With regard to the running and riding of Baroque Style, Mr Elliott said that in hindsight the rider could have been a little bit harder on the horse and stayed closer to the pace but he didn’t think it made any difference to his finishing position.

In his evidence C.D. Timmons confirmed the riding instructions. He said he was familiar with the horse as he had ridden him at home. He thought the horse was better on softer ground and that he went as quick as he could in the race. He didn’t believe he would have finished any closer if he was harder on the horse.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted the explanations offered by Gordon Elliott and C.D. Timmons. They found Gordon Elliott in breach of Rule 147(v) for failing to appoint authorised representative at Down Royal on the day and imposed a fine of €130 for the rule breach.

The case was presented by Michael O’Donoghue, Stipendiary Steward. Gordon Elliott and C.D. Timmons were represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co Kildare.