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 the referral of Patrick Martin, Trainer by the Stewards at Galway on 29th October 2018.

On the day following the running of the Barna Recycling Handicap the Stewards were unable to conduct an enquiry into the late arrival of Nailed On Nina into the parade ring for the race as Mr. Martin was not present and neither had he nominated an Authorised Representative to act on his behalf.

Mr. Martin did not attend the hearing and took up the option of making submissions in writing for consideration in lieu of attending. In his written submissions he advised that on the day in question he had been in hospital for emergency treatment and his son had travelled with the horse. He had arranged for an Authorised Representative to be in attendance; however, at a late stage. the nominated person was prevented from attending and was unable to contact Mr. Martin as he was in hospital. Mr. Martin advised that Nailed On Nina had been difficult to saddle on the day which caused the delay in entering the parade ring and apologised for same.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted the exceptional circumstances which resulted in the delay and noted Mr. Martin’s explanation. In relation to the failure to appoint an Authorised Representative as required under Rule 147(v) they imposed a fine of €130.

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