The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chairman), Mr Raymond J. McSharry and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 28 January to consider the referral of Thomas Gibney (Trainer) following the Albert Bartlett Qualifier Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown on 12 January 2025.

On the day, following the running of the Albert Bartlett Qualifier Handicap Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards wished to interview Mr Gibney, trainer of Sammy Smart, regarding the late arrival of the horse into the parade ring and the late arrival of the horse at the start which contributed to a delay to the off time. As Mr Gibney failed to present himself for interview within 45 minutes of the last race, the Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee for consideration.

At the referral hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Gibney. The Referrals Committee also heard a recording of the public address announcement requesting Mr Gibney to attend the Stewards’ Room.

In his evidence, Mr Gibney accepted that the announcement was made requesting him to the Stewards Room but that he had not heard it as he was still talking to the connections of the horse in the parade ring at the time. Mr Gibney stated that he had then left the parade ring to go to the Owners & Trainers restaurant for something to eat and first became aware that he was wanted by the Raceday Stewards when he received a telephone call from his wife who informed him that the Raceday Stewards wanted to speak to him. Mr Gibney confirmed that his horse had been late into the parade ring but wasn’t aware he was wanted by the Raceday Stewards and by the time he got the Stewards’ Room all officials had departed.

Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Gibney in breach of Rule 32(ii), in that his horse was late into the parade ring and Rule 205(i), in that his horse wasn’t at the post ready to start at the appointed time. Having considered Mr Gibney’s record in relation to both breaches, the Referrals Committee fined Mr Gibney €500 (third offence) for a breach of Rule 32(ii) and €200 (second offence) in relation to the breach of Rule 205(i).

The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.