The Referrals Committee, Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. John Murphy convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday 16 January 2023 to consider whether Mr. Shane Donohoe (Trainer) was in breach of any rules of racing arising from a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 20 October 2022 by IHRB officials.

On the day, the inspection team noted that Mr. Donohoe’s Veterinary Medicines Register was absent and referred the matter under Rule 148(iii)(b). They also found that three horses, Annaparnell, Asgard’s Captain, and Song For My Father were not on the licensed premises and had not been returned out of training as required under Rule 148(vi).

Submissions were made by Mr. Ryan McElligott, Irish Racehorse Trainers Association CEO, on behalf of Mr. Donohoe. Mr. McElligott explained it has been a difficult period for him and business has declined greatly in recent times. He also added that he has not had a winner in over two years. Mr. McElligott confirmed that Mr. Donohoe accepted that he was in breach of the rules and committed to maintaining his records in the future.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. Donohoe in breach of Rule 148(vi) in respect of three horses not returned out of training and imposed a fine of €390 and due to mitigating circumstances, imposed a fine of €110 in accordance with Rule 148(iii)(b) for failure to keep a Veterinary Medicines Register.

The case was presented by Ms Clíodhna Guy, IHRB Head of Licensing, Legal and Compliance. Mr. Donohoe, was represented by Mr. Ryan McElligott, Irish Racehorse Trainers Association CEO.