The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Mr. Noel McCaffrey and Mr. Anthony Ryan, met at Kilbeggan Racecourses on Monday 22nd June, 2015, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Shadow Blue” handled by Mr. Andrew Lee, which was due to run at the Carbery (F) Clonakilty Point to Point on 24th May, 2015, in the Maiden Race for 6-y-o and upwards geldings, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Ms.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 Mr. Andrew Lee, Handler, who explained the background to the mistaken identity. The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Shadow Blue” and “Medal Mint”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Shadow Blue” (2009) b/br g by Blueprint – Rosie Belle, at Carbery (F) Clonakilty Point to Point on 24th May, 2015 was in fact Medal Mint 2009 b g by Medaaly (GB) - Amazon. They were satisfied that Mr. Lee had confused the identity of both animals when they came into his care. They noted that the right hind leg marking of both animals were fundamentally different, a fact that should have been observed by Mr. Lee while verifying their identification as required under the provisions of Regulation R8.

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Lee was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at the Carbery (F) Clonakilty Point to Point on 24th May, 2015 and fined him €500. They noted he 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. Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.