The Referrals Committee Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Sean Barry and Hugh Ferguson met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday, 20th August 2013 to consider whether or not R.P. McNamara, qualified rider, was in breach of any rule as a result of him informing D.K. Weld, trainer, that he would be 4lbs overweight on “Notable Graduate” in the Trappers Inn Maiden Hurdle at Galway on 4th August 2013, with the result that an alternative rider had to be found for the horse. 

They also considered whether or not Mr. McNamara was in breach of any rule as a result of failing to present himself to ride “Ebazziyr” in the Fr. Breen Memorial (Pro-Am) Flat Race at Galway on the same day, with the result that the horse had to be withdrawn as there was no suitable rider available.  Both matters were referred to the Referrals Committee by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club.

Evidence was heard from Denis Egan and R.P. McNamara.

In his evidence Denis Egan outlined the background to the referrals.

In his evidence R. P. McNamara disputed the evidence given by Pat O’Brien authorised representative for D.K.Weld, trainer at the enquiry into the request for the change of rider on Notable Graduate. He also disputed the evidence given by James Leavy, trainer with regard to the withdrawal of Ebazziyr from the Fr. Breen Memorial Memorial Pro-Am Flat Race.

Having considered the evidence, the committee adjourned the hearing to allow further investigations be carried out into the evidence given to the Stewards at Galway by Pat O’Brien and James Leavy.

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