The Referrals Committee, John Moloney (in the Chair), Michael Doyle and Peter N. Reynolds, met in the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on 2nd March, 2012, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Royal Madame” trained by John J.R. Foley, which was due to run at Limerick Racecourse on 25th January, 2012, in the Adare Mares INH Flat Race, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Ms. Joan Taylor, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from John J.R. Foley, Trainer, who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Royal Madame”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Royal Madame” Bay filly (2006) by Amilynx (FR) – Royal Sacrament, at Limerick Racecourse on 25th January was in fact an unnamed 2006 filly by Amilynx (FR) - Krissykiss.  They were satisfied that Mr. Foley had confused the identity of both animals, noting that they were of similar identity with no distinguishable white markings. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Foley was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Limerick Racecourse on 25th January and they therefore fined him €250.

The Committee ordered that the name “Royal Madame” should now be registered to the Bay filly (2006) by Amilynx (FR) - Krissykiss and not to the Bay filly (2006) by Amilynx (FR) - Royal Sacrament.

The case was presented to the Committee by Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.