Trainers fined The following trainers have been fined for rule infringements – namely Lee Smyth, Martin Brassil, Philip Rothwell, Mark McNiff and Emmet Butterly. See below. - - - Lee Smyth Random Stable Inspection 29th August 2013 The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider the referral of Lee Smyth, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 29th August 2013 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith M.R.C.V.S. During the inspection they observed that the premises at Black Island Road, Dungannon, was unoccupied despite the fact that 9 horses returned in training were supposed to be stabled there. Evidence was heard from Lee Smyth. The Committee also considered a written report on the visit from Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith. In his evidence Lee Smyth said he accepted the horses were not being trained from his licensing training establishment at Dungannon. He outlined the background to the transfer of the horses to a new yard at Magheralin, Co. Down in May 2013 and said the reason he had not registered the new yard was because he wanted to make sure the move was permanent before doing so. He said the new yard was working well and the old yard was being used presently as an overflow yard for horses that are not in training. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted that Lee Smyth had accepted he was in breach of Rule 147(vi) and fined him €350. The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare. - - - Martin Brassil Referral Wexford – 23rd August 2013 The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider whether or not Martin Brassil, trainer was in breach of any rule as a result of having veterinary sprays and syringes in his racing bag in the stable yard at Wexford on 23rd August 2013, when the only type of syringe permitted in the yard is a bulb syringe. Evidence was heard from Martin Brassil who accepted that there were veterinary sprays and syringes in his racing bag at Wexford. He said it was purely accidental as the sprays and syringes in question were for use the next day on a horse which was taking part in a show event. He outlined how they accidently ended up being brought to Wexford. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee accepted the reasons outlined by Mr. Brassil for the sprays and syringes being present. They said he was the victim of an unfortunate set of circumstances and they accepted there was no malicious intent. However, they noted that under the Rules, Mr. Brassil was responsible for what occurred and found him in breach of Regulation R9 and fined him €200. The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club. - - - P.J. Rothwell Random Stable Inspection 23rd August 2013 The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider the referral of P.J. Rothwell, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 23rd August 2013 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Ms. Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S. During the visit the officials found that 8 riders were exercising horses without wearing body protectors. Evidence was heard from P.J. Rothwell. The Committee also considered a written report on the visit from Michael O’Donoghue and Nicola O’Connor M.R.C.V.S. In his evidence P.J. Rothwell accepted that he was in breach of Rule 148(v)(b) as he was ultimately responsible for ensuring that his staff wore appropriate safety equipment. He said he was not aware of the rule but accepted that this was not a valid excuse. As a result of the inspection, Mr. Rothwell said he had now purchased body protectors for all his staff and ensured that they wore them at all times when exercising horses. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted Mr. Rothwell’s acceptance that he was in breach of the rule and the frankness of the evidence given by him. They said that ignorance of a rule is not a defense and as a result he was fined €300 for being in breach of the rule. The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare. - - - Mark McNiff Random Stable Inspection 28th August 2013 The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider the referral of Mark McNiff, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 28th August 2013 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith M.R.C.V.S. During the inspection they discovered that six horses namely, Arkansas Dave, Breeogue Boy, Cisro, Drummans Bridge, Josh Deets and Lord Friday were not at the premises and should have been returned out of training. Evidence was heard from Mark McNiff. The Committee also considered a written report on the visit from Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith. In his evidence Mark McNiff said he accepted that the six horses should have been returned out of training. He said that three of them, namely Arkansas Dave, Breeogue Boy and Cisro were under his care at a leased farm four miles away from his Training Establishment. He said the Drummans Bridge had been sent away, while Josh Deets and Lord Friday had recently died. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee noted that Mark McNiff had accepted he was in breach of Rule 148(vi) for the non-return of horses out of training and fined him €200 in respect of the horse Arkansas Dave with the case proven in the other five cases. The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare. - - - Emmet Butterly Random Stable Inspection 29th August 2013 The Referrals Committee, Peter Allen (in the Chair), Mrs. J.O. Onions and Sean Barry met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Friday, 11th October 2013 to consider the referral of Emmet Butterly, trainer, by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club following a random stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 29th August 2013 by Turf Club Officials, Michael O’Donoghue and Terry Smith M.R.C.V.S. During the inspection one of his work riders was observed riding out without a body protector in contravention of the provisions of Rule 148(v)(b). The Committee noted a guilty plea in writing from Emmet Butterly who was unable to attend the hearing. They also noted assurances from him that he is now regularly checking to ensure that all his work riders wear appropriate safety equipment as required. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found that Emmet Butterly was in breach of Rule 148(v)(b) and fined him €250. The case was presented by Denis Egan, Chief Executive of the Turf Club, Curragh, Co. Kildare.
