Referral in respect of alleged debt due to M.J. Grassick

The Referrals Committee Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), J.R. Craigie and Mrs. T.K. Cooper met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 31st August 2011 to consider a request from the Irish Racecourse Trainers Association, on behalf of one of its members, M.J. Grassick, to consider whether or not a former owner of Mr. Grassick’s is in breach of Rule 272 as a result of his failure to pay an alleged debt despite a number of requests to do so.  Their submission was that this owner by his refusal to pay and taking into account all the circumstances surrounding his refusal to pay, may have acted in a manner which is prejudicial to the proper conduct and good reputation of racing.

The Committee considered a number of submissions from Frank Ward on behalf of Mr. Grassick and from Conal Boyce on behalf of the Turf Club.

In his submission Mr. Ward said that it was the alleged debtor’s conduct which triggered his request to the Committee that they consider whether or not there is a breach of Rule 272.

Having considered the submissions, the Committee adjourned the case to Tuesday, September 27th 2011 to allow the person who is alleged to owe the debt be present at the next hearing.  In making their decision, the Committee was aware that while the person concerned was aware the hearing was taking place, he did not seek an adjournment.  However, he was not present at the hearing as he was out of the country and as such the Committee felt that it was inappropriate to proceed in his absence.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare. 

M.J. Grassick was represented by Frank Ward, Frank Ward & Company Solicitors, Equity House, Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.