Mr. P. Hughes - “Liar Valley” - Identity Query

The Referrals Committee, Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Mr. Raymund S. Martin and Mr. Philip Caffrey met at Fairyhouse Racecourse, on Saturday 1st December 2012, to consider a referral from Josh Byrne, Registrar of the I.N.H.S. Committee, concerning the identification of “Liar Valley” trained by Mr. P. Hughes, which was due to run at Sligo Racecourse on the 9th August, 2012, in the “Follow Sligo on Facebook Maiden Hurdle” but was withdrawn by order of the Stewards as the Veterinary Surgeon on duty, Mr. Terry Smith, was unable to positively identify the animal from the passport documentation presented.

Evidence was heard from Mr. P. Hughes, Trainer, who explained the background to the mistaken identity. The Committee also considered DNA reports and markings certificates from Weatherbys Ireland Laboratories for “Liar Valley”.

The Committee, having considered the evidence, noted that the animal produced to run as “Liar Valley”, B.g. (2007) by Waky Nao (GB) - Little Woman at Sligo Racecourse on the 9th August, 2012, was in fact an unnamed 2007 B.g. by Luso (GB) - Jennifers Diary.  They were satisfied that Mr. Hughes had confused the identity of both animals, noting that they were of similar identity.

The Committee were also satisfied that Mr. Hughes was guilty of an error of judgement for failing to produce the correct animal to run at Sligo Racecourse on 9th August 2012 and they therefore fined him €200.  They recommended that all licensed trainers should have access to a microchip reader to identify clearly horses in their care prior to running on the racecourse.

The Committee ordered that the name “Liar Valley” should now be registered to the B.g. (2007) by Luso (GB) - Jennifers Diary and not to the B.g. (2007) by Waky Nao (GB) - Little Woman.

The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Josh Byrne, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.