The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Mr. N.B. Wachman and Mr. N.P. Lambert, met in the Turf Club Office on Tuesday 24th May, 2016, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Flemens Cross” trained by Mr. Adrian P. Keatley, which was due to run in the Navan Race Members Pro-Am INH Flat Race at Navan on 13th March, 2016, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Ms. Joan Taylor, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from Ms. Megan Brennan, representing Mr. Adrian P. Keatley, Trainer, who was unavoidably absent, and who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Flemens Cross” and “Newsreader (USA)”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Flemens Cross” (2011) b g by Flemensfirth (USA) - Line Diane (FR), at Navan Racecourse on 13th March, 2016 was in fact Newsreader (USA) 2010 b g by New Approach - Headline (GB).  They were satisfied that Mr. Keatley had failed to identify both animals in his care as required under the provisions of Regulation R8. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Keatley was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Navan Racecourse on 13th March, 2016, and fined him €500.  They noted that Mr. Keatley had since purchased a microchip reader and strongly recommended that all licensees should have access to a microchip reader to identify clearly horses in their care prior to running.  

The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Paul Murtagh, Turf Club Official.