The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the chair), Sean Barry and Hugh Ferguson met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday 20th August 2013 to consider whether or not Paul Gilligan, trainer, was in breach of any rules as a result of his continued retention of the prizemoney won by Wellforth in the Imperial Call Steeplechase at Cork on 8th April 2012 which is rightfully the property of Mrs Noreen Watts. The matter was referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following receipt of a complaint from Mrs. Noreen Watts that the decision of the Referrals Committee on 24th May 2013, had not been followed by Paul Gilligan.

Evidence was heard from Denis Egan, Paul Gilligan and Mrs Noreen Watts.

In his evidence Denis Egan outlined the sequence of events since the hearing on the 24th May which has now resulted in the matter being referred back to the Referrals Committee.

In his evidence Paul Gilligan outlined a proposal which he had put to Mrs Noreen Watts’s this morning with regard to the repayment of the prizemoney.

In her evidence Mrs Noreen Watts said that it had not been possible to engage with Paul Gilligan prior to today despite making a number of attempts to do so.

Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee adjourned the case to Monday 14th October so as to give Paul Gilligan an opportunity to provide further information with regard to evidence previously given to the committee.  They also stated that if the matter is resolved between both parties between now and 14th October, there will be no need for the hearing to take place as Paul Gilligan will no longer be in continuing breach of Rules 272 and/or 273.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.