Comer fined for refusing yard inspection by Turf Club officials

Trainer Luke Comer has been fined €10,000 and ordered to pay costs of €4,000 by the referrals committee for refusing Turf Club officials permission to inspect his stables at Kilternan, County Dublin, on March 22.

The referral was made by Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan following an attempted stable inspection by officials Dr Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer with the Turf Club, Terry Smith (vet), Michael O'Donoghue and Ion Hamilton at Comer's yard. Comer refused permission for the inspection to proceed.

A suspension of Comer's training licence will take effect only if Comer fails to comply with the Turf Club's rules in the next six months. It was agreed that an inspection of Comer's licensed premises will take place and issues arising will, if necessary, be brought before the referrals committee.

Comer has apologised to the Turf Club officials in relation to the planned inspection on March 22.

The referrals committee which dealt with the case was chaired by Justice Tony Hunt. Philip Caffrey and Laurence McFerran completed the three-member panel.