The Appeals Body, (Division One) Mr. Eoghan Fitzsimons S.C. (in the Chair), Mr. Peter N. Reynolds and Mrs. J.O. Onions met at the Turf Club Offices, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 28th April 2008 to consider an appeal from Mr. John A. Quinn, Trainer, against the severity of the penalty imposed by the Referrals Committee on 6th February 2008 when following an enquiry he was found in breach of Rule 273 (xiii) and was fined €5,000 in addition to his license being suspended for 4 months in respect of the running of Rokocoko at Tipperary on 23rd July 2006 whilst the horse was the subject of a restriction notice served pursuant to Article 5 of the Disease of Animals Act 1966.

Evidence was heard from Denis Egan Keeper of the Match Book and Mr. J. A. Quinn. The Appeals Body also considered a written submission from Mr. Rory J.J. Mac Neice Solicitor, on behalf of Mr. Quinn.

Having considered the evidence, the Appeals Body noted that Mr. Quinn had now given a written undertaking not to defy a Restriction Notice in future, and in view of this they ordered that the suspension originally imposed be removed and that the fine be reduced to €2,500. They also asked the Licensing Committee to closely review Mr. Quinn’s next application for a Trainers License to ensure he complies with the terms and conditions under which his license is issued between now and then.

The Appeals Body further noted the issues which had arisen due to the inability of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to provide the Turf Club with a copy of the restriction notice issued in relation to Rokocoko and asked that procedures be agreed between both parties to ensure that the Turf Club can obtain such notices in future directly from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Case was presented by Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare. Mr. John A Quinn was represented by Mr. Rory J.J. Mac Neice of Ashfords Solicitors, Exeter, England.