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The Referrals Committee, Mr Justice Frank Clarke (Chairman), Mr Marcus Magnier and Mr Michael Sheahan convened virtually on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 to consider an application by the IHRB under Rule 19A(6)(iii) for the suspension of Mr John G Murray (Trainer) arising from serious welfare, care and management concerns identified during inspections carried out at his Training Establishment by IHRB officials.
On 19 August 2026, the day of the initial inspection, the inspection team noted serious deficiencies in the health, condition, care and welfare of horses in Mr Murray’s care. Furthermore, four horses recorded as being in Mr Murray’s care were not present during the inspection and seven horses present in the Training Establishment had not been returned as being in Murray’s care.
At the Referral Hearing evidence was heard from Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer, and submissions were considered from Mr Murray and Mr John Fitzgerald, Restricted Trainers Association.
In her evidence, Dr Hillyer provided details of the unannounced inspection at Mr Murray’s Training Establishment on 19 August 2026 and further visits to the premises on 3 September and 7 October. She outlined the serious welfare and management concerns identified, including concerns regarding the management of the Training Establishment and continuing issues concerning the welfare of certain horses and the conditions in which they were being kept. She explained that all horses present at the first inspection required veterinary intervention, either individually or at herd level. Three horses required urgent veterinary attention, including one whose condition necessitated euthanasia.
Dr Hillyer also described the subsequent engagement with Mr Murray, his Veterinary Surgeon and Mr Fitzgerald. While Mr Murray had engaged with the IHRB and remedial steps had been taken, material concerns remained regarding the management of the Training Establishment and the welfare of some horses in his care and control. Dr Hillyer also outlined the extent of the continuing IHRB Veterinary oversight and intervention which had been required since the initial inspection.
The IHRB submitted that the seriousness and persistence of the welfare and management concerns, notwithstanding the remedial steps taken, together with the level of continuing regulatory and veterinary oversight required to achieve the necessary standards, was unsustainable and could not properly form the basis upon which a Trainer’s Licence remained operative.
Mr Fitzgerald confirmed in his submission that Mr Murray fully accepted the gravity of the matters raised and outlined personal circumstances on Mr Murray’s behalf.
In his submission, Mr Murray accepted he was in breach of the rules and outlined the remedial steps that he has taken to improve conditions in his premises.
Having considered the evidence and submissions, the Referrals Committee were satisfied that, notwithstanding the engagement with Mr Murray and the remedial steps taken, material concerns remained and the level of continuing regulatory oversight required was unsustainable. The Committee also had regard to personal circumstances advanced on Mr Murray’s behalf.
Accordingly, the Referrals Committee suspended Mr Murray’s Trainer’s Licence with immediate effect and directed that the suspension will remain in force unless and until the Referral Committee determines otherwise.
The Committee confirmed that Mr Murray may apply for the suspension to be reviewed on notice to the IHRB, at which time the Committee will consider the evidence then available as to whether the concerns which gave rise to the suspension have been satisfactorily addressed.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.