Referrals Committee Hearings
Advance Notice
The following cases are listed for hearing on Thursday, 3rd March 2011:
11.00 a.m. Paul Nolan (Trainer) Possible breach in Rule 90 as a result of Articular being withdrawn at Fairyhouse on 29th January, due to the Turf Club Veterinary Officer being unable to positively identify the horse. Enquiry Report attached.
11.30 a.m. Michael Butler (Trainer) Prohibited substance finding – Haveahaarth Dundalk, 5th December 2010.
12 Noon D.T. Hughes (Trainer) Possible breach of Rule 213 as a result of his referral by the Punchestown Stewards on 16th February 2010 following the win of O Fortuna. Enquiry Report attached.
12.30 p.m. W.P. Mullins (Trainer) Objection to the 3rd placing gained by Bowfinger in the Demesne Maiden Certified Hunters Steeplechase at Clonmel on 3rd February 2011 as the horse was not qualified to run.
Attachment 1:
Fairyhouse Meeting, 29th January 2011
016G Ratoath (Pro/Am) I.N.H. Flat Race. The Stewards received a report from Mr. Dermot McLlveen, Turf Club Veterinary Officer, regarding the fact that he was unable to positively identify Articular, trained by Mr. Paul Nolan, prior to the running of this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned.
Having considered the report, the Stewards, acting under the provisions of Rule 90, ordered the withdrawal of Articular from this race and referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.
Attachment 2:
Punchestown Meeting, 16th February 2011
026C(i) Champagne & Seafood Festival Package Maiden Hurdle (Division One). The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of the winner, O Fortuna, trained by Mr. D.T Hughes, compared with the horse’s previous run at Cork on the 13th December 2010, when he was pulled up in the race won by Foildubh.
Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who stated that this lightly raced gelding had run well at Leopardstown last February and subsequently ran in an I.N.H. Flat Race at Cork on the 21st March. Subsequent to the latter race the horse was found to have kickback following an endoscopic examination post race. Regarding the horse’s most recent run, Mr. Hughes expected a good performance with a possible mid division finish, but the gelding ran most disappointing for no known reason. O Fortuna was subsequently scoped and thoroughly examined at his stables post race and no abnormality was found. Mr. Hughes added that R. Loughran, who rode the horse on that occasion, had reported to him that day that the gelding made a slight noise in running. The gelding was fitted with a cross noseband today.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered. However, in view of parts of the evidence suggesting that Mr. Hughes had failed to make two separate reports that may have affected the horse’s performance on separate occasions, the Stewards referred him to the Referrals Committee.