The Referrals Committee Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Mr. Peter Reynolds and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened via Zoom on Friday, 26th February 2021 to consider the referral of Ms. Kerri Brion (Trainer) by Mr. Denis Egan, Senior Racing Official, following the running of French Light (FR) in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on 14th February 2021.
Subsequent to the racemeeting at Punchestown on Sunday, 14th February 2021, Mr. Egan objected to the placing gained by French Light (FR) in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Punchestown under the provisions of Rule 262(v)(c) on the basis that the weight at which the Rider weighed out was less than his correct weight.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Ms. Brion and the committee received correspondence from Ms. Cathy-Ann Hazzard of Horse Racing Ireland.
In her evidence, Ms. Brion said that she is now aware that the trainer is responsible for making sure that the weight the horse carries is correct. She stated that since setting up a satellite yard in Ireland she has done her very best to familiarise herself with the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules. Ms. Brion did submit the previous form of French Light (FR) to Horse Racing Ireland and accepted that this was a genuine mistake in what are unique circumstances. She outlined the difference between the responsibilities of trainers in America and Ireland and stated she is now fully aware of how the Irish system works in this regard.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Ms. Brion was in beach of Rule 148(v)(c) in that the trainer is responsible for the qualification of horses and the correct weight that they should carry in any race. The committee noted correspondence from Horse Racing Ireland and were satisfied that the error was primarily as a result of an administrative error and took no further action on Ms. Brion. However, they ordered that French Light (FR) be disqualified and the stake be forfeited. They also amended the result to read as follows:
First: Thedevilscoachman
Second: Fire Attack
Third: Uhtred
Fourth: Power Of Pause
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.