Share to
The Referrals Committee, Mr Michael Hickey (Chair), Mr Michael Sheahan and Mr Noel McCaffrey, convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 to consider whether Mr John Neilan (Trainer) was in breach of any Rules of Racing arising from a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 25 November 2025 by IHRB officials.
On the day of inspection, the inspection team noted that 16 horses were identified at the Training Establishment but were not returned in Mr Neilan’s care. It was also noted that Mr Neilan failed to produce a Medicines Register for inspection.
At the Referral Hearing, the Committee considered submissions from Mr Neilan, including his acceptance of the breach, his explanation that the traceability issue arose from an administrative error, and his confirmation that he would take greater care to prevent a recurrence.
Having considered the evidence and submissions on behalf of the IHRB and the Trainer, the Referrals Committee found Mr Neilan in breach of Rule 148(xii) and imposed a fine of €1,000. The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €250 in respect of Rule 148(ix).
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.