The Referrals Committee Mr. N.B. Wachman (in the chair), Ms. Mary. M O’Connor and Mr. John Powell convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 17th January 2020 to consider the referral of Mr. Paddy Meany (Trainer) by the Stewards at Fairyhouse on 14th January 2020.
On the day, following the running of the Your Club Fundraiser Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards wished to enquire into the apparent improvement in form of Grey Habit, trained by Mr. Meany. The matter was referred to the Referrals Committee as the Trainer was not present on the day and had no Authorised Representative to represent him.
A written submission was received from Mr. Meany in which he apologised for having no Authorised Representative on the day. He explained that an ‘Authority To Act’ form had been completed but was left behind and therefore was not lodged with the Clerk of the Scales. In relation to the apparent improvement in form of Grey Habit, Mr Meany outlined her previous two runs and the jockey feedback from those races, including how Conor McNamara had ridden the horse on her previous start when she wore cheek pieces for the first time. He said that that the mare raced keenly and Mr. McNamara apologised for not getting cover during the race. He added that he instructed rider Tommy Brett to hold her up early in the race in question at Fairyhouse and creep into the race during the last mile and that the rider had executed those instructions in what he believed to be a race of poor quality.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted the explanation offered in relation to the apparent improvement in form of Grey Habit. Furthermore, they fined Mr. Meany €130 for failing to nominate an Authorised Representative.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance.