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The Referrals Committee, Mr Michael Hickey (Chair), Mr Michael Sheahan and Mr Noel McCaffrey, convened at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 to consider whether Mr Patrick O’Rourke (Trainer) was in breach of any Rules of Racing arising from a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 26 March 2026 by IHRB officials.
On the day of inspection, the inspection team noted that one horse was returned in Mr O’Rourke’s care but was not identified at his Training Establishment.
At the Referral Hearing, the Committee considered submissions from Mr O’Rourke, including his explanation that the horse had died shortly before the inspection, his acceptance of the breach, and his explanation that the matter arose from an administrative oversight.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr O’Rourke in breach of Rule 148(xii) and having regard to submissions, the Committee imposed a fine of €250.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.