The Appeals and Referrals Committee, Mr. D.A. Pim (in the Chair), Mr. G.B. Scanlan and Mrs. T.K. Cooper, met in the Stewards Room at the Curragh Racecourse, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday, 4th January, 2006, to consider an appeal from Paul Stafford, trainer of “Blueberry Boy”, against the decision of the Acting Stewards at Punchestown on 11th December, 2005, when following the running of the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle, the Stewards enquired into possible interference on the approach to the final hurdle and decided that “Blueberry Boy”, ridden by A.E. Lynch, having been first past the post, be disqualified and placed second. “Mounthenry”, ridden by A.J. McNamara and trained by Charles Byrnes, was awarded the race.  

The Committee heard evidence from the riders concerned and from Michael O’Donoghue, Stewards Secretary on duty, and a film of the race was also viewed.  Having considered the evidence the Committee decided to allow the appeal.  The result now reads:-

First:- Blueberry Boy
Second:- Mounthenry
Third:- Beautiful Vision
Fourth:- Major Hayward

Paul Stafford was represented by Mr. Liam Guidera, of Frank Ward Solicitors, Mrs. Martha Reidy was represented by Mr. A.R. Coonan of Coonan Cawley Solicitors, and the case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Philippe Lafarge, Turf Club Official.