The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Sean Barry and Philip Caffrey met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday, 21st August 2014 to consider the referral of Michael O’Hare, Trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 4th June 2014 by Turf Club Official, Christopher Gordon and Department of Agriculture Officials.  During the inspection it was discovered that:

1. Three horses namely Cracking Man, Julies Exit and Native Palm were no longer under his care and should have been returned out of training. Evidence was heard from Michael O’Hare.

In his evidence Michael O’Hare apologised to the Committee and admitted that the breach of Rule 148(vi) was an oversight of his behalf.  He stated that Cracking Man was away from his premises for veterinary treatment for a period of three days and he was unaware that he needed to inform the Registry Office that the horse had left his care for this short period.  He accepted that Julies Exit and Native Palm had left his yard permanently.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found Mr. O’Hare to be in breach of Rule 148(vi) and fined him €260 (€130 in each case) for failing to notify the Registry Office that Julies Exit and Native Palm had left his yard.  The Committee gave the benefit of the doubt on this occasion to Mr O’Hare in respect of his failure to inform the Registry Office that Cracking Man had left his yard on a temporary basis.

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