The Referrals Committee, Sean Barry (in the Chair), Philip McLernon and P.J.A. O’Connor, met in the Turf Club Office, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday, 5th July, 2017, to consider a report from Nicola O’Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer who, acting in that capacity at Limerick Racecourse on 17th June 2017, reported that the winner of the www.limerickraces.ie Rated Race, Steel Prince, while being presented for post-race sampling, appeared to show evidence of an active or recent skin condition which in her opinion, merited the production of a veterinary certificate as required under the provisions of Rule 148 (i) (v) (a) prior to the horse being allowed to run. The groom accompanying the horse had a veterinary certificate, however this had not been furnished to the Veterinary Officer in accordance with Rule 148 (i) (v) (a).
Evidence was heard from P.J. Prendergast, trainer, Dr. Lynn Hillyer, Turf Club Chief Veterinary Officer and Michael Grassick, Chief Executive of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association.
P.J. Prendergast stated that the majority of horses in his care were being treated with anti-fungal medication and that his Veterinary Surgeon, Mark McRedmond, had provided a veterinary certificate in respect of his examination of Steel Prince the day before the animal was due to run. This veterinary certificate, presented to the Committee in advance of the hearing, was noted. Mr. Prendergast stated that the lad who led up the horse on the day had this veterinary certificate in his possession on arrival at the racecourse but accepted that it had not been presented with the horse to the Veterinary Officer before the race as required.
Dr. Hillyer and Michael Grassick each explained to the Committee the procedure for entering the stable area and the responsibility on those attending to horses.
Having considered the evidence the Committee adjudged P.J. Prendergast to be in breach of Rule 148 (i) (v) (a) and severely cautioned him. Under the provisions of Rule 267 they ordered that he contribute €100 towards costs.
The case was presented to the Committee by Cliodhna Guy, Turf Club Head of Legal & Compliance.