Stephen J. Mahon (Trainer) - Random Stable Inspection 23rd July and a re-inspection 3rd September 20

The Licensing Committee, Peter N. Reynolds (in the chair), Ms Caroline Corballis and Noel McCaffrey reconvened at the Offices of the Governing Bodies, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Tuesday, 9th December 2014 to consider the report from a further stable inspection carried out at the premises of Stephen J. Mahon, trainer, by Turf Club Officials' Michael O'Donoghue and Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S on 3rd September 2014. The Committee also studied photographs of all the facilities as used by the licence holder.

Evidence was heard from Michael O'Donoghue, Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S, Stephen Mahon and Thomas Quinn, owner of the training establishment.

In his evidence Michael O'Donoghue stated that all irregularities had been addressed with good improvements noted. He referred to the tidy condition of the premises whereby roadways had been levelled with a stone and dust covering applied, the clearance of ragwort from the lands, the improved condition of the paddocks, the improved security arrangements with the erection of gates on all points of entry/exit, the well bedded stables and the cleaning and painting of the indoor horse walker. He was satisfied that the premises had been brought to a satisfactory standard. He emphasised that Stephen Mahon was an employee trainer but was ultimately responsible for everything concerning the training of his horses and that Thomas Quinn, Stephen Mahon's employer, must maintain these premises to a required satisfactory standard. He referred to administration amendments where passports for "Flauspar", "Banner Roar" and "Cappa Kaieteur" had been returned to the H.R.I, the return out of training of "Cappa Kaieteur", the display of the S.E.B.S payment in a staff workplace, the deletion of former employee Alan King from the Turf Club employee register and that Stephen Mahon and Ms Emma Colgan had completed a refresher course at H.R.I on 29th August 2014. He complimented both Stephen Mahon and Thomas Quinn on the work that had been done and their very good attitude at all times. He referred to the swimming regime as used by Stephen Mahon and described the procedure as used on the day of the re-inspection when four horses were used for a demonstration. He confirmed that while it worked on the day, that he would have reservations to its overall use. He also made a presentation of photographic evidence.

In her evidence Nicola O'Connor M.R.C.V.S stated that she was satisfied with the condition of the 45 horses presented and commented that injuries as found on the 23rd July had since responded to treatment. She referred to the vaccinations of all horses now being in order, the marking irregularities of 2 horses had been corrected and the subsequent purchase and installation of a well stocked and locked medicines unit. She also felt that the pre-race inspection of all his runners could now be discontinued except for any horse that may be listed on the secondary veterinary list.

In his evidence Stephen Mahon stated that he had subsequently treated his animals as directed by Ms Nicola O'Connor Turf Club Veterinary Officer on 23rd July 2014 and furthermore had acted on the advice of both inspectors in relation to all improvements that had to be made in relation to animal welfare, safety and all administration matters.

In his evidence Thomas Quinn accepted that the improvements had to be made and suggested that the premises would be maintained to an acceptable standard in the future.

Having considered the evidence the Licensing Committee expressed a view that having initially had a concern that the licence holder had horses in his establishment that were receiving an unacceptable standard of care, they were now satisfied that following a second stable inspection, that the inspectors were of the opinion that the standards were now acceptable. They found him to be most helpful and cooperative but were of the opinion that he had put the Turf Club to considerable expense and therefore requested that he make a contribution of €700 towards costs. They confirmed the continuation of his licence to train but informed him that his establishment will be subject to further random stable inspections. They also agreed that that the pre race inspection of all his runners should cease with immediate effect except for those that may be recorded on the secondary veterinary list.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare.

For further information, please contact:
Seamus Gibson, Secretary to the Licensing Committee, Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.
Tel; 045-445600
Date; 7th January, 2015