Byrnes cleared of running horse at unrecognised meeting in Dingle
The inquiry was held after investigations carried out by security officers concerning meetings at Dingle on August 11 and 12, 2002, when the horse ran under the name of Bog Road. Evidence was heard from Byrnes, the former trainer of Ballygowan Beauty, and Charles O’Brien, husband of former owner Carmel O’Brien.
The committee found that Byrnes did not train Ballygowan Beauty when he took part in the unrecognised meetings. But they found him in breach of rule for failing to take the horse out of training until August 21 2002, the horse having left his care on July 29. He was severely cautioned.
An objection to the placings gained by Ballygowan Beauty in all races subsequent to August 10 2002 was upheld on the basis that the gelding was not qualified to run as he had taken part in unrecognised meetings. This included six races which he won, at Tralee (twice), Killarney, Listowel (twice) and Thurles.
Farrier Michael McAteer was made a disqualified person for at least two years after a security investigation into the running of Carapuncha in unrecognised meetings at Ballinasloe on June 20 and Dingle on August 6 and 8 2004 under the name of My Auntie.
The committee considered evidence from trainer Suzanne Cox, who admitted that Carapuncha had left her yard twice to go to McAteer’s for a “change of scenery”.
The farrier admitted taking the horse to Ballinasloe and Dingle to run in the unrecognised meetings without her knowledge when Carapuncha was under his care.
Ms Cox was fined €1,500.
An objection to Carapuncha affecting all races subsequent to June 20 2004 for taking part in unrecognised meetings was also upheld.
