FATHER and son Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien have been banned from going racing for two weeks after breaking Covid-19 protocols.
The trainers were also fined 2,500 euros each for failing to enter the Curragh through the health screening area last month.
There are strict regulations in place at Irish racecourses, very similar to those enforced at tracks in Britain.
And Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board took a dim view of the health screening breach which occurred on Irish 2,000 Guineas day.
The matter was heard by the referrals panel of the IRHB on Monday.
A tweet from the IHRB read: “At a referral hearing of Aidan O’Brien (Trainer) & Donnacha O’Brien (Trainer) following a referral from The Curragh on 12/06/20 both trainers were fined E2,500 & prohibited from attending a racecourse for 2 weeks for failing to enter The Curragh through the health screening area.”
IHRB press officer Niall Cronin said: “We noted the decision of the referrals committee and the various protocols regarding Covid-19 are very serious.
“It is important that they are strictly adhered to at all times to make sure that racing can continue in a safe manner for everyone involved.”
Last month, trainer Emmet Mullins was fined 5,000 euros and banned from attending race meetings for three months after he entered Leopardstown racecourse despite being refused access earlier in the day.
The suspension means both Aidan and Donnacha will not be able to attend the Irish Oaks or Tattersalls Gold Cup meetings.
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