The Referrals Committee, Mr. Sean Barry (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Philip Caffrey met at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Thursday 13th December 2018, to consider the referral of Ronan M.P. McNally, Trainer, by the stewards at Navan on 25th November 2018.

On the day following the running of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase, the Stewards were unable to conduct an enquiry into the late arrival of The Jam Man into the parade ring for the race as Mr. McNally was not present and neither had he nominated an Authorised Representative to act on his behalf. As a result, the Stewards imposed a fine of €130 on Mr. McNally for the breach of Rule 147(v) (failure to nominate an Authorised Representative) and referred the late arrival of The Jam Man into the Parade Ring to the Referrals Committee.

Mr. McNally did not attend the hearing and took up the option of making submissions in writing for consideration in lieu of attending. In his written submissions he advised that he had been travelling down separately to the horse and had broken an alloy wheel on route which delayed him. His employee had no assistance in preparing the horse and had been delayed in getting the saddle which had resulted in the late arrival into the parade ring.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee noted the explanation given and issued Mr. McNally with a caution as to his responsibilities.

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