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The Referrals Committee, Mr Robert Dore (Chair), Mr Noel McCaffrey and Mr Jack Rearden convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Board on Thursday, 27 November, to consider the referral of Enda Bolger (Trainer) following the running of the Matchbook B2B And Operator Hedging Rated Novice Steeplechase at Punchestown on Thursday 13 November 2025.
On the day, prior to the running of the fifth race, the Matchbook Supporting Irish Maiden Hurdle, the Raceday Stewards withdrew Centreofattention, trained by Mr Bolger as it became apparent that the horse presented to the IHRB for scanning as Centreofattention was Dont Tell Jack, also trained by Mr Bolger. It transpired that Centreofattention had participated in the second race and not the declared horse, Dont Tell Jack. Following an investigation and having verified the identity of the Horses, which was fully accepted by the Trainer, the IHRB referred the matter to the Referrals Committee to conside whether a breach of Rule 261 had occurred.
At the referral hearing evidence was heard from Mr Bolger.
In his evidence, Mr Bolger accepted that a breach of the Rules had occurred and sincerely apologised for the error which he said has caused him much embarrassment. Mr Bolger explained that he was unable to attend the race meeting himself on that particular day and stated that it was a case of human error.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Bolger in breach of Rule 261 and imposed a fine of €2,000. Furthermore. the Referrals Committee disqualified Dont Tell Jack from the Matchbook B2B An Operator Hedging Rated Novice Steeplechase as it was proved to be Centreofattention who participated in the race.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.