The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Philip McLernon convened at the Offices of the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board, The Curragh on 19th August 2019 to consider whether or not Philip Rothwell (Trainer) was in breach of any rules as a result of issues which arose in respect of the passport of a four year old gelding in training with him.

Evidence was heard from Mr. Rothwell and Dr. Lynn Hillyer (Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Equine Anti-Doping).

Dr. Hillyer outlined the background to the referral. She stated that the passport had been submitted for inspection to the offices of the IHRB where it was noted that there was an alteration to a date of a vaccination certified in the passport. She confirmed that the horse had not been presented at a racecourse for running and that the horse had been sufficiently vaccinated against Equine Influenza in accordance with the requirements of the IHRB.

In his evidence, Mr. Rothwell stated that in an error of judgement that he had altered the date on the passport.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found that Philip Rothwell was in breach of Rule 272(ii) by providing misleading information to an Official. It was noted that in different circumstances such action could have implications for a license however in this case the Referrals Committee determined that the appropriate sanction was a fine of €700.

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