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 Long (Restricted Trainer) was in breach of the Rules of Racing as a result of a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 24th August, 2015, by Turf Club officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Nicola O’Connor, MVB.

At the inspection certain anomalies arose including:-

(i) Possible breach of welfare, training and running of horses - Rule 148 (i).
(ii) The Medicines Storage Unit was unsecure - Rule 148 (iii) (a).
(iii) The Medicines Register was incomplete - Rule 148 (iii) (b).
(iv) Possible breach of Regulation R8.

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 Long.  The Committee also considered written reports and photographic evidence.

In his evidence Michael O’Donoghue reported that the general conditions of the training establishment were unsatisfactory.  He also referred to the fact that some horses on site were under the care of third parties which was inappropriate.

Nicola O’Connor M.V.B. reported that some passports were unavailable for inspection and horses could not be positively identified on site although these were later confirmed by microchip readings with Weatherbys.  Certain veterinary products found she noted were unscripted and for veterinary only administration.  In view of the number of people who had access to the establishment she expressed concerns about the unsecure nature of the medicines storage area.  She expressed dissatisfaction in the vague manner in which veterinary records were maintained and noted that the Medicines Register was incomplete.

In his evidence John Long explained to the Committee his circumstances.  He was unaware of the rules concerning the requirements for the Medicines Storage Unit and admitted that he should have been more aware of his requirements as a restricted trainer in matters relating to the training of horses.

Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found Mr. Long to be in breach of Rule 148 (i) and fined him €250.  In relation to Rule 148 (iii) (a) the Committee fined him €200.  In relation to Rule 148 (iii) (b) the Committee noted the explanation and did not impose a fine.  In relation to Regulation R8 the Committee fined him €130.

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