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The Referrals Committee, Mr Martin P O’Donnell (Chairman), Mr John Murphy and Mr Anthony Byrne convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 to consider a referral of James W. Reilly (Handler) following the Fermanagh (H) Necarne Point to Point fixture on 9 May 2025.
On the day, the IHRB veterinary team reported that Keogh Banjo had a second microchip number reading which was not recorded in the passport.
At the Referrals Committee hearing, evidence was heard from Mr Reilly.
Mr Reilly apologised for the misunderstanding and explained that Keogh Banjo was purchased from the breeder with no passport and a late registration was completed for a 2019 foal x Presenting Kate based on the details received from the breeder. Weatherbys subsequently confirmed that that the 2018 foal sample received was an exact match to the late registration sample for what was assumed to be a 2019 born foal. The breeder confirmed to Weatherbys that Presenting Kate was covered again by Policy Maker but did not produce a foal in 2019 and the incorrect year of birth was provided at the time of sale.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee accepted the evidence of Mr Reilly and did not find him in breach of any rules. The Referrals Committee ordered that Keogh Banjo was disqualified from the following three races:
Fermanagh (H) Necarne Point to Point – 9 May 2025
Wright Quarry Products 6YO+ Mares Maiden
Stonehall (H) Ballysteen Point to Point – 26 April 2025
Top of the Town Askeaton 6YO+ Maiden
Streamstown (H) Durrow – 23 March 2025
TEE FIRE SAFETY SOLUTIONS 5YO+ Mares Maiden
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.