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 “Cloneen Ace” handled by Mr. John Beamish, which was due to run at the Duhallow (F) Dromahane Point to Point on Sunday 10th April, 2016, in the Maiden Race for 5 & 6-y-o Mares, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Ms. Nicola O’Connor, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from Mr. John Beamish, Handler, who explained the background to the mistaken identity.  The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Cloneen Ace”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Cloneen Ace” (2010) filly by Indian River (FR) - Sister Rose, at Duhallow (F) Dromahane Point to Point on 10th April, 2016, was in fact an unnamed (2010) filly by Indian River (FR) - Dayamen (GB).  They were satisfied that Mr. Beamish had failed to identify the animal in his care as required under the provisions of Regulation R8. 

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Beamish was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at the Duhallow (F) Dromahane Point to Point on 10th April, 2016, and fined him €150.  The Panel took into account the fact it was Mr. Beamish’s first offence under the Rules of Racing / Regulations for Point to Point Steeplechases as a handler / trainer.  They advised him to purchase a microchip reader to avoid a repeat of this nature in future and strongly recommended that all Handlers and Licensed Trainers should have access to a microchip reader to identify clearly horses in their care prior to running.

The Committee ordered that the name “Cloneen Ace” should now be registered to the (2010) f by Indian River (FR) - Dayamen and not to the (2010) f by Indian River - Sister Rose.

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