John J. Nallen / Minella For Value Referral – Gowran Park, 9th March 2013
The Referrals Committee Judge Tony Hunt (in the chair), Sean Barry and Hugh Ferguson met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday, 26th March 2013 to consider the referral of John J. Nallen, trainer of Minella For Value, following an enquiry into the running and riding of the horse in the ‘Support Kilkenny GAA Raceday on 23rd March at Gowran Park’ Beginners Chase. The matter was referred to the Referrals Committee by the Stewards who were of the opinion that John J. Nallen was in breach of Rule 213 as evidence given at the enquiry by his Authorised Representative Patrick Doody indicated that the horse had made a respiratory noise on its previous run at Fairyhouse on 23rd February 2013; a fact which had not been reported in accordance with the provisions of Rule 213.
Evidence was heard from John J. Nallen, who accepted that the matter had not been reported following the Fairyhouse run. However, he stated that he did not feel that the matter needed to be reported as the horse always made a respiratory noise when running and in his view it didn’t affect his performance. Mr. Nallen also stated that he did not inform the rider Shay Barry that the horse made a noise in its previous runs, but accepted that Shay Barry would have been aware that the horse made a noise as he had been informed of this fact prior to the race by both Sean McDermott (who rode the horse previously) and Patrick Doody.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted that the explanation provided concerned a general problem with respiratory noise, rather than a matter which specifically affected the running of the horse at Fairyhouse on 23rd February 2013. Accordingly, the Committee noted the explanation provided for future reference, and took no further action on this occasion. The Committee also noted the necessity of trainers providing comprehensive instructions to riders in such unusual circumstances, so as to ensure that such an animal was run on its merits and ridden to obtain the best possible place.
The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare. John J. Nallen was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.