The Referrals Committee Neville O’Byrne (in the chair), J.R. Craigie and Philip Caffrey met at the Turf Club on 9th June to consider the referral of Roger Loughran, rider, following his failure to undertake an alcohol breath test at Punchestown on 16th February 2011 having been requested to do so.  The matter had been referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Chief Executive.

The Committee considered a number of submissions made by Andrew Coonan on behalf of Roger Loughran.  In his submissions, Mr. Coonan accepted that his client was in technical breach of the rules and that he was notified on the day to undertake an alcohol breath test.  However he said his client had been ill that morning prior to attending Punchestown and that he had become violently ill prior to the first race.  This necessitated him leaving the racecourse quickly.  He did not make contact with the Turf Club Medical Officer or Officials prior to his departure.  He subsequently attended a doctor that evening who confirmed the symptoms.  As a result of his illness he was also unfit to ride the next day.  Mr. Coonan referred to the doctor’s certificate that had been furnished which confirmed the illness.  Conal Boyce on behalf of the Turf Club said that the Turf Club accepted the validity of the certificate furnished.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that Roger Loughran was in breach of Rule 278.  They said it was unacceptable that having been notified of the alcohol breath test that he left the racecourse without notifying any Turf Club personnel of his predicament.  The imposed a fine of €750 for the breach of rule.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare. Roger Loughran was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.