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 Mr. Oliver McKiernan (Trainer) in relation to Chief Of Police who ran in the first division of the Dundalkstadium.com Handicap on 17thFebruary 2021 wearing the incorrect headgear. blinkers instead of the declared cheek-pieces.
On the day, the Stewards wished to enquire into the fact that Chief Of Police had run in blinkers instead of cheek pieces as declared but connections had departed the track and the matter was referred on to a Senior Racing Official of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
At the Referral Hearing, evidence was heard from Mr. McKiernan.
In his evidence, Mr. McKiernan accepted that the mistake was as a result of a communication error between himself and his staff travelling to the races.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. McKiernan was in breach of Rule 194(h) and reminded Mr. McKiernan of his obligation to ensure that the headgear worn by his runners is correct. They imposed a fine of €65.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.