The Referrals Committee, Mr. Peter M. Allen (in the chair), Mr. Laurence McFerran and Mr. Noel McCaffrey convened via Zoom on Friday, 18th February, to consider whether Michael Butler (Trainer) was in breach of any rules as a result of a stable inspection carried out at his Training Establishment on 12th October 2021 by Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board officials.
On the day, the inspection team observed that two horses, namely Optical Confusion and Tangental, who were returned in training were not present at the time of the inspection as required under Rule 148(vi) but were located in the field belonging to a neighbour.
At the Referral Hearing, the committee considered evidence from Mr. Michael Butler Junior (Authorised Representative).
In his submission, Mr. Butler accepted that Optical Confusion and Tangental were not on his premises at the time but were indeed in a field belonging to neighbour, Mr. Michael Holden. Mr. Butler explained that there was no suitable paddocks at the training establishment and there was an agreement in place for the horses to go to Mr. Holden’s field during the day and then return to Mr. Butler’s yard in the evening.
Having considered the evidence, the panel noted Mr. Butler’s explanation and took no further action.
The case was presented by Mr. Michael Daly, IHRB Regulatory Legal Advisor