The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), John Moloney and P.J.A. O’Connor met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday, 12th June 2014 to consider the referral of Robert Murphy, Restricted Trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 19th May 2014 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S.  During the inspection the officials discovered a number of anomalies including:

i) The non-availability of a body protector for riding out ii) The non-availability of a Medicines Register iii) The non-recording in the Medicines Register of a medicine administered to a horse iv) The non-display of the Stable Employees Bonus Scheme Agreement

Evidence was heard from Michael O’Donoghue, Terry Smith, Turf Club Senior Veterinary Officer and Robert Murphy. The Committee also considered a written report on the visit.

In his evidence Michael O’Donoghue outlined what he and Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S. found when they visited Robert Murphy’s Training Establishment as outlined above. He also identified a number of other issues which needed to be addressed to bring the premises up to the required standard.

Terry Smith outlined the importance of maintaining a Medicines Register.

In his evidence Robert Murphy accepted the findings of the Turf Club officials. He said he would be addressing each of the deficiencies identified. He also accepted that he rode out regularly without a body protector but that he would be buying a new one on the way home today.

Having considered the evidence the Committee found that Robert Murphy was in breach of Rules 148(iii)(a)and (b) for failing to record a medicine administered in the Medicines Register and for failing to maintain a Medicines Register. He was fined €130 in respect of these Rule breaches. He was also found in breach of Rule 148(v)(b) for riding out without a body protector.  He was fined €200 for the breach of this Rule. In addition he was found in breach of Rule 298 5 for failing to display the Stable Employees Bonus Scheme Agreement.  He was cautioned in respect of this Rule breach.

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