The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Laurence McFerran convened in the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday 17th August, to consider the referral of Mr. W.J. Lanigan (Trainer) in relation to the identification of Roguey which was due to run on 4th June 2022 at Tramore.
On the day, the identity of the horse could not be positively identified as the microchip in the horse could not be found. The horse was therefore withdrawn by the Stewards and the matter was referred to the IHRB for further consideration.
At the Referral Hearing, the committee considered evidence from Mr. Lanigan.
In his evidence, Mr. Lanigan explained that Roguey was bred by Mr. Alo Malone who still owns the horse. Mr. Lanigan stated that the horse had only ever been to Mr. Malone’s premises and then to his own premises when sent my Mr. Malone to be broken and trained. Mr. Lanigan confirmed that when the horse arrived at his premises that he was able to positively identify the horse by his microchip. He added that the horse was a very distinctive chestnut horse and could not be mistaken but accepted that he had not checked the microchip on the day in question prior to racing at Tramore and he confirmed that the microchip could not be read by the IHRB veterinary team at Tramore. Mr. Lanigan stated that he had attempted to find the microchip subsequently but has been unable to do so and a new microchip has since been inserted.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr. Lanigan was in breach of Rule 90(iii) and imposed a fine of €350.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor