The Referrals Committee, Sean Barry (in the Chair), Laurence McFerran and Philip Caffrey, met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday, 18th May, 2016, to consider whether or not John Carr (Trainer) was in breach of the Rules of Racing as a result of a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 2nd September, 2015, and a further stable inspection on 23rd October, 2015, by Turf Club officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Nicola O’Connor, MVB.

At the inspection on the 2nd September 2015 certain anomalies arose including:-

(i) Possible breaches of welfare, training and running of horses - Rule 148 (i).
(ii) The Medicines Register was not available for inspection - Rule 148 (iii) (b).
(iii) Two employees had not been registered with the Turf Club - Rule 149 (i) and (ii).
(iv) Stable Employees Bonus Scheme was not displayed - Rule 298.5.

The matter was referred to the Referrals Committee by Josh Byrne, Registrar of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee.

Evidence was heard from Michael O’Donoghue, Nicola O’Connor, MVB, and John Carr.  The Committee also considered written reports and photographic detail.

In his evidence Michael O’Donoghue reported that the general conditions of the training establishment on the first inspection was unsatisfactory and noted a number of possible deficiencies in accordance with Rule 148 (i).  A further inspection was conducted on 23rd October 2015, when, accompanied by Nicola O’Connor M.V.B., they observed that satisfactory improvements had been carried out in the intervening period.  He further reported that two employees were not registered with the Turf Club and that the S.E.B.S. payment was not displayed on the premises.

In her evidence Nicola O’Connor M.V.B. expressed concern on the first inspection with regard to the condition of some of the horses on site and reported that Mr. Carr was unable to locate the medicines register to determine if the animals present had received medication.  She said that at the subsequent inspection the condition of the animals had significantly improved and the medicines register was available for inspection.  

In his evidence John Carr outlined events to the Committee and did not dispute the detail as presented.  He stated that in the months prior to this inspection he was distracted from his normal duties for various reasons and certain matters had been neglected as a consequence.  He informed the panel that he had rectified outstanding matters since the first inspection as referred to by the Officials.  

Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found Mr. Carr to be in breach of Rule 148 (i) and fined him €500.  The Committee found Mr. Carr to be in breach of Rule 148 (iii) (b) and fined him €200.  The Committee also found Mr. Carr to be in breach of Rule 149 (i) and (ii) and fined him €130.  In relation to Rule 298.5 (v) the Committee noted the explanation and cautioned him accordingly.

The case was presented to the Committee by Paul Murtagh, Stipendiary Steward.