The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Mr. Peter M. Allen and Mr. Anthony Byrne convened via Zoom on Wednesday, 8th December 2021 to consider whether Richard Rath (Trainer) was in breach of any rules as a result of a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 11th December 2019 by Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board officials.
On the day, the inspection team observed that the Medicines Register was unavailable for inspection and when later produced it was not kept up to date and that three horses returned in training were not at the premises at the time of the inspection.
At the Referral Hearing, the panel considered the report of the stable inspection and heard evidence from Mr. Rath.
In his evidence, Mr. Rath stated that the horses returned in training had recently returned to their owner and due to staffing issues and the timing of them leaving the yard, which was the same week as the inspection, he had not had the opportunity to return them out of training. He added that he has cut his numbers right back and now just has care of six horses and no employees. He also stated that a process is now in place to maintain his Medicines Register up to date.
Having considered the evidence, the panel were satisfied that Mr. Rath was in breach of Rule 143(iii)(b) in that he had failed to keep his Medicines Register up to date and Rule 148(vi) in that he had failed to return three horses out of training. Having considered his record in this regard the panel fined Mr. Rath €250 for a breach of Rule 143(iii)(b) and €390 for a breach of Rule 148(vi).
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor