The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Mrs. T.K. Cooper and Mr. Peter N. Reynolds, met in the Turf Club Office on Monday 4th July , 2016, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Aunt Eileen” trained by Mr. John P. Ryan, which was due to run in the Killarney Outlook Publications Maiden Hurdle at Killarney on 15th May, 2016, but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Turf Club Veterinary Officer on duty, Ms. Joan Taylor, was unable to positively identify the horse from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from John P. Ryan who explained the background to the mistaken identity. The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Aunt Eileen” and an unnamed (2012) bay filly by Whitmore’s Conn (USA) ex Corbetstown Queen.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the horse produced to run as “Aunt Eileen” (2012) bay filly by Majestic Missile ex Art Critic (USA), at Killarney Racecourse on 15th May, 2016 was in fact an unnamed (2012) bay filly by Whitmore’s Conn (USA) ex Corbetstown Queen. They were satisfied that Mr. Ryan had failed to positively identify the horse in his care as required under the provisions of Regulation R8.

The Committee were satisfied that Mr. Ryan was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Killarney on 15th May and they therefore fined him €350. They noted that Mr. Ryan had since purchased a microchip reader and strongly recommended that all licensees should have access to a microchip reader to clearly identify horses in their care prior to running.

The Committee ordered that the name “Aunt Eileen” should now be registered to the (2012) bay filly by Whitmore’s Conn (USA) ex Corbetstown Queen and not the (2012) bay filly by Majestic Missile ex Art Critic (USA).

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