Thomond O'Mara fined 10k for misconduct Fethard trainer Thomond O’Mara has been handed a €10,000 fine by the Referrals Committee of the IHRB following an altercation with Clerk of the course Paul Moloney at Cork Racecourse on November 26. The Referrals Committee of Peter Allen (Chairman), N.B Wachman and Noel McCaffrey heard evidence that Moloney was both verbally and physically abused by O’Mara at the Mallow venue. Following a hearing at IHRB offices this week, the Committee were satisfied that O’Mara was in breach of Rule 272(i) in that he had behaved in a manner which is prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing, Rule 272(iii) in that he abused, intimidated and physically assaulted an IHRB official and acted in a threatening and intimidating manner, and Rule 273(xii) in that he engaged in violent or improper conduct on a racecourse. Having considered his record in this regard, the Committee dealt with O’Mara’s sanction for the three offences together imposing a fine of €10,000 and suspending his licence to train for three years. However, they suspended that portion of the sanction for a period of three years on the strict understanding that if there is any repeat of an offence of this nature or any breach of Rule 272 by O’Mara in the interim period, the suspension of his licence will come into effect. The Committee also ordered that O’Mara pay a contribution to the costs of the IHRB of €5,000.
