The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Peter Allen and Mrs. J.O. Onions met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Monday, 13th October 2014 to consider the referral of John Patrick Ryan, Trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, as a result of a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 2nd September 2014 by Turf Club Officials Michael O’Donoghue and Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S.

During the inspection they discovered a number of anomalies including:

i) There was no secure veterinary medicines unit. ii) A used bottle of Engemycin 10% was found on a shelf in the tack room. iii) The administration of Engemycin 10% to “Who’s Cross” was not recorded from 11th July 2014 or thereabouts with the result that the Medicines Register was not kept up to date. iv) No evidence of the Stable Employees Bonus Scheme completed agreement being displayed in a work area.

Evidence was heard from Michael O’Donoghue, Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S. and John Patrick Ryan.  The Committee also considered a written report on the inspection.

In his evidence Michael O’Donoghue summarised the main findings contained in the report on the inspection.  He said that the horses were well looked after.  With regard to veterinary documentation, he said that Mr Ryan was unable to produce any veterinary bills as these were only received annually from his vet.  Mr O’Donoghue was critical of the co-operation given by Mr Ryan during the inspection.

In her evidence Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S. outlined the difficulties which had arisen when she examined some of Mr Ryan horses.  She also confirmed the various issues which arose with regard to the veterinary aspects of the inspection.  Ms O’Connor was critical of Mr Ryan for his attitude during the inspection.

In his evidence John Patrick Ryan outlined the background to what occurred and accepted that there were differences of opinion between himself and the Turf Club officials.  He said he was passionate about the care and welfare of his horses and accepted that he did not agree with Ms O’Connor’s views.  Mr Ryan accepted the findings of the Turf Club officials with regard to the absence of a secure veterinary medicines unit, the failure to record the administration of Engemycin 10% in the medicines register and the failure to display the Stable Employees Bonus Scheme in a work area.

In her evidence Marian Ryan (wife of John Patrick Ryan) outlined how they dealt with their veterinary surgeon with regard to invoicing.  She explained the background to the used bottle of Engemycin 10% being found on a shelf in the tack room and accepted that the administration had not been entered in the medicines register.

Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found that John Patrick Ryan was in breach of the following rules:

i) Rule 148(iii)(a) in respect of his failure to provide a secure veterinary medicines unit – fine imposed €130.  In relation to this finding the committee accepted that there were no veterinary medicines on the premises. 

ii) Rule 148(iii)(b) for failing to record the use of Engemycin 10% in the medicines register – fine imposed €260.

iii) Rule 298 5 for failing to display the Stable Employees Bonus Scheme completed agreement in a work area – fine imposed €130. In arriving at their decision the committee accepted that the horses were well cared for and that there were no welfare issues.  They said it was regrettable that an issue arose with regard to co-operation during the visit and stressed the importance of co-operation in the future.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.