The Referrals Committee Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Philip Caffrey and Laurence McFerran met in the Croke Park Hotel, Jones Road, Dublin 3 on Thursday, 6th April 2017 to consider the referral of Luke Comer Snr. (Trainer) by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following an attempted stable inspection by Turf Club officials Dr Lynn Hillyer MRCVS, Terry Smith MRCVS, Michael O’Donoghue and Ion Hamilton at Mr Comer’s training establishment at Kilternan on 22nd March 2017 which was refused permission to proceed by Mr. Comer Snr.

The Referrals Committee accepted the agreement of the parties to the suspension of Mr. Comer Snr.’s licence for breach of Rule 148(ii) which will only take effect if Mr. Comer fails to comply with the Turf Club Rules in the next six months, and payment of a fine of €10,000 and costs of €4,000 by Mr. Comer Snr. It was also agreed that an inspection of Mr. Comer’s licensed premises will take place and any issues arising will, if necessary, be brought before the Referrals Committee.

Mr. Comer apologised to the Turf Club Officials in relation to the inspection on 22nd March 2017.

The case was presented by Roderick Maguire, B.L., instructed by Cliodhna Guy, Solicitor for the Turf Club. Luke Comer Snr. was represented by Martin Hayden SC and Tom Clarke, B.L., instructed by Walkers Solicitors.