The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt, (in the Chair), Philip Caffrey and N.B. Wachman met at the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare on Monday, 9th October 2017 to consider whether or not Eoghan Norris, was in breach of any Rules following an incident which occurred at Tipperary on the 26th September 2017.

On the day the Stewards held an enquiry into an incident involving Sarah Ash Calum in the parade ring prior to the “Like Tipperary on Facebook Handicap” where it appeared that Mr. Norris, who was leading the horse around the parade ring, may have punched the horse around the nostril area. The Stewards held an enquiry and having considered the evidence, referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.

The Referrals Committee considered a submission from Cliodhna Guy, who outlined the background to what occurred and said that Mr. Norris was unable to be in attendance for the hearing this evening but had confirmed it could proceed in his absence. Submissions from Mr. Bernard Caldwell, Irish Stable Staff Association, Mr. P. Meany (trainer of the horse) and Mr. P. Flynn (Mr. Norris’ employer) and video footage of the incident were also considered by the Referrals Committee.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee found that Mr. Norris’ actions weren’t instinctive and as a consequence, he was in breach of Rule 272 (i) in that his actions were prejudicial to the good reputation of horse racing.

In considering penalty, the Committee said that the incident was at the lower end of the scale and taking into account Mr. Norris’ guilty plea, his previous clean record and his personal circumstances, they imposed a caution.

They stressed the importance of anyone involved in horse racing being aware of the impact of such conduct in future.

The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Solicitor, Head of Licensing, Legal & Compliance.