The Referrals Committee, Mr. P.J.A. O’Connor (in the chair), Mr. Charles C. Cunningham and Mr. C.E. O’Sullivan, met at the Turf Club Offices, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 6th February 2008 to consider the referral of Mr. John A. Quinn, Trainer, by Mr. Denis Egan, Keeper of the Matchbook, 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 Mr. Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, who attended Naas District Court on 22nd October 2007, Mrs. Vicky McWey, Horse Racing Ireland, Mr. S.W.D. McIlveen, Senior Veterinary Officer, Mr. John A. Quinn and Mr. Denis Egan.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted that Mr. Quinn had already pleaded guilty to the offence at Naas District Court on 22nd October 2007 and that he had also accepted that he was in breach of the Rules.  The Committee confirmed that he was in breach of Rule 273(xiii), imposed a fine of €5,000 and ordered that Mr. Quinn’s license be suspended for 4 months from 1st March to 30th June 2008.

The Case was presented by Mr. Brian Price, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.