The Referrals Committee, Mr. John Powell (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Mrs. T.K. Cooper, met at the Turf Club Offices, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Thursday, 28th January, 2010, to consider a referral from the Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee concerning the identification of “Knockhill Tess” which was due to run at the above Point to Point, but was withdrawn by the Acting Stewards as the Veterinary Officer on duty was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.  Evidence was heard from Mr. Jim Goggins, Owner, together with a DNA report from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratory.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Knockhill Tess” at Golden Vale on 25th October, 2009, was in fact an unnamed bay mare 2004 by Bob’s Return - Strong Watch.  They were satisfied that Mr. Goggins had confused the identity of both horses and was guilty of an error of judgement and ordered him to pay the various costs incurred.  They also ordered that the name currently registered to “Knockhill Tess” bay mare 2004 by Lord Americo - Ancient Charm is cancelled.  The Committee disqualified the mare in the races listed below:-

Muskerry (F) Aghabullogue on 11th January, 2009,             Maiden race for 5 & 6-y-o Mares.
Duhallow (F) Liscarroll on 29th March, 2009,                       Maiden Race for 5-y-o Mares.
Waterford (F) on 12th April, 2009,                                        Maiden Race for 5-y-o Mares.
Carbery (F) on 24th May, 2009,                                            Maiden Race for 5-y-o Mares.

The unnamed bay mare by Bob’s Return - Strong Watch should have an accompanying reference for registration purposes stating that it ran on four occasions under the assumed name of “Knockhill Tess”.