The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair) Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. John Murphy convened at Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on 8th October 2020 to consider the referral of Mr. Bartholomew O’Gorman (Groom) for a breach of Rule 272(i) in that he acted in a manner that was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing at Wexford on 5th September 2020.
On the day, following the running of the Curracloe Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, the Stewards considered a report from Ms Noeleen Moloney (IHRB Veterinary Assistant) that Mr. O’Gorman was found in the vicinity of the IHRB Sampling Unit in possession of potential contaminants (refreshments). The Stewards found Mr. O’Gorman in breach of Rule 272(i) and referred the matter to the Chief Executive Officer of the IHRB for further investigation.
Evidence was heard from Mr. O’Gorman who confirmed that he had gone to the IHRB Sampling Unit to congratulate a trainer and had a cup of tea with him. He confirmed that he had put the tea on the wall of the sampling unit in order to open a chocolate bar and Ms. Moloney had informed him that it was not acceptable behaviour. He advised that he had been previously advised that he could not have refreshments at the IHRB Sampling Unit but had thought it was only an issue for caffeinated or energy drinks. He accepted that he had the refreshments in the area and acknowledged that it was not acceptable and that he now understood the issue in relation to the integrity of the sampling process.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr. O’Gorman in breach of Rule 272(i). They noted that the breach was at the lower end of scale but he had been previously advised not to have potential contaminants in that area and therefore imposed a fine of €150 and advised Mr. O’Gorman of his responsibilities as a holder of a stablepass.
The case was presented by Ms. Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing and Compliance.