The Referrals Committee, Mr. Sean Barry (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Philip Caffrey met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday 13th December 2018, to consider whether or not, P. Twomey, Trainer was in breach of any rules as a result of a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 5th September 2018 by Turf Club officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Ms. Nicola O’Connor MVB.
During the inspection, a number of anomalies were noted which included:

(i) Failure to register three staff members in accordance with Rules 149 (i) & (ii).
(ii) Failure to ensure approved safety equipment was worn by three riders when riding out horses as required under Rule 148 (v) (b).

The trainer Mr. Twomey was in attendance and in his evidence stated that he had instructed his staff repeatedly to wear back protectors, however they had failed to do so. He showed the Committee pictures of the signage in place in his yard. He said he had now taken steps to ensure that they complied with this requirement and agreed that it was a necessity. He advised that he has staff working in different areas of his business and had not realised that under his licence all staff in his Training Establishment had to be registered. He apologised for the oversight and confirmed compliance with the requirement going forward.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted that there were signs in place but reminded the trainer of his obligations to ensure that safety equipment was worn by riders. They also reminded Mr. Twomey of his administrative obligations under the Rules with regard to registration of staff. Mr. Twomey was found in breach of Rule 148(v)(b) and the Committee imposed a fine of €200 per person (total fine - €600). They also found Mr. Twomey in breach of Rule 149(i) and imposed a fine of €130.

The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal & Compliance & Licensing.