THE Referrals Committee formally closed the long-running Yuften case yesterday, confirming that there were no adverse findings against any of the individuals charged but the press release did contain more details of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s [IHRB] investigation into the controversial race run at Dundalk in March 2020.

The case centred around the running and riding of Yuften, who finished second to stable companion Tony The Gent in a Dundalk claimer. Yuften was expected to start favourite but drifted markedly in the betting, while Tony The Gent was well backed.

Yuften was found to be lame afterwards.

In keeping with standard procedure, the IHRB never published details of the charges it was bringing or the names of the individuals under investigation until a formal hearing took place. Last month the IHRB surprised the racing world when stating that, following the receipt of new information from the defendants, the case was effectively dropped.

Denis Hogan, who trained both Yuften and Tony The Gent, reacted to that development by criticising the IHRB’s handling of the matter, but yesterday the Referrals Committee revealed that the IHRB had also brought charges against jockey Joe Doyle, professional gambler John O’Shea, while it was alleged that racehorse owner Noel Hayes, an associate of O’Shea, “was involved in the conspiracy”.

The IHRB’s case was that “Yuften, the initial strong market favourite for the race, was deliberately prevented from running on its merits by rider Mr. James J. Doyle, contrary to Rules 212, 272 and 273 of the Rules of Racing. It was the view of the IHRB that this act was carried out on the instructions of Mr Denis Gerard Hogan, the trainer of Yuften, contrary to Rule 148, 212, 272 and 273 of the Rules of Racing. Yuften finished second to its stable companion Tony The Gent, also trained by Mr Hogan.

“It was also alleged that Mr. John O’Shea, a professional gambler, with knowledge of an intended breach of Rule 212 (a), backed Yuften to lose the race with a betting organisation using the account of a third party. It was also alleged that Mr Noel Hayes, an associate of Mr O’Shea and an owner in the Hogan stable was involved in the conspiracy.”

According to the Referrals Committee, the case against Hayes was discontinued in September this year and on November 2nd the IHRB told the Committee it would not be offering evidence against Hogan, Doyle or O’Shea.

The Referrals Committee, chaired by Justice Siobhan Keegan, said: “The Referrals Committee can well understand that the outcome of this case does not answer all questions and is far from satisfactory in circumstances where serious charges were laid. However, the Referrals Committee must act within the Rules of Racing and cannot assume additional functions.

“To be clear, the Referrals Committee has dismissed all charges which ends this case without any adverse finding against any of those charged. It is for the individuals who have been charged to decide whether to raise any matters arising with the IHRB management or in any other forum.

“It is for the IHRB to decide whether to comment further on matters given the longevity of this case, the need for transparency and the public interest arising.”