The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Justice Leonie Reynolds and Laurence McFerran met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) on Friday 18th May 2018 to consider the referral of Patrick Neville, Trainer by the Stewards at Limerick on 12th April 2018.
On the day they ordered the withdrawal of Annie Clouds from the National Student Raceday (M) Maiden Hurdle as the IHRB veterinary officer was unable to positively identify Annie Clouds from the markings on her passport.
Today the committee heard evidence was heard from Patrick Neville.
In his evidence, Mr. Neville acknowledged the various breaches of rules and regulations. He confirmed that the passport markings had been corrected on the day after the race and the passport had now been endorsed in accordance with the Rules. He stated that he had learnt from the experience and would be ensuring that all passports are correct in future.
Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found that Patrick Neville had failed to comply with Regulation R8(A)(2) by not checking the markings when receiving the animal and furthermore failing to endorse the passport.
In determining the penalty, the committee noted that Patrick Neville had borne the expense of the horse being withdrawn and of attending the hearing in the IHRB offices. It was also noted that he had fully cooperated with the IHRB and had taken steps to correct matters once they were brought to his attention. On the basis of the above, the Referrals Committee issued a caution to Mr. Neville and reminded him of his obligations.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Compliance & Licensing.