Larry Byrne Referral

Down Royal 31st May 2013

The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Philip Caffrey met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Monday, 15th July 2013, to consider the referral of Larry Byrne, trainer, following the refusal of Wells China to start in the JCB Toughphone Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal on 31st May 2013.  The matter was referred as a result of the past behaviour of Wells China.

Evidence was heard from Larry Byrne, who said that he bought the horse earlier on this year but didn’t realise that the animal had been banned previously for refusing to start. He said that the horse was very nervous when he arrived at his training establishment and that he spent a lot of time rehabilitating him. After he refused to race in Down Royal, he brought the horse to a schooling hurdle in Tipperary and he jumped off. He said Martin Ferris rode the horse that day and subsequently when he won in Clonmel. He also said that Martin understood the horse and had built up a good relationship with him. He concluded by saying that he would be disappointed if the horse misbehaved again.

Having considered the evidence, the committee imposed a 90 days suspension on the animal, which they suspended for a period of one year from today’s date (15th July) provided that there is no reoccurrence of the horse refusing to start. In the event that the horse does refuse to race again, the committee directed that the matter should be referred back by the Stewards to the Referrals Committee and that the Referrals Committee can then activate the 90 day penalty as well as any other penalty they may wish to impose.

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