The Referrals Committee, Mr. Nicholas Wachman (Chair), Mr. John Murphy and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday 4th August 2023 to consider the referral of Ms. Hillary McLoughlin by the Raceday Stewards at Cork on the 14th July 2023.
On the day, prior to the running of the Coolagown Stud INH Flat Race, the Raceday Stewards received a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer that she was unable to positively identify Nothing Hectic, trained by Ms. Hillary McLoughlin, from the passport presented. The Raceday Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Nothing Hectic as per Rule 90(v) and referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.
At the Referral Hearing, the Committee considered evidence from Ms. Hillary McLoughlin.
Ms. McLoughlin admitted she had not properly checked the microchip and markings on the passport prior to running Nothing Hectic. Ms. McLoughlin accepted that she was in breach of Rule 90 and has had her charge re-microchipped and re-marked as well as purchasing a microchip scanner to avoid a repeat of this breach of the rules in future.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Ms. McLoughlin was in breach of Rule 90(ii). Having considered Ms. McLoughlin’s record in this regard, the Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €500.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor.