The Disciplinary Panel hearing to consider charges against Trainer Aidan O’Brien and his employee, Pat Keating, following the running of CAPE BLANCO in the Totesport Dante Stakes at York on 13 May 2010, concluded today. 

Mr O’Brien admitted to the charge or “acting in a manner prejudicial to the proper conduct of horseracing in Great Britain”, and to the other two charges of encouraging and/or causing Pat Keating to refuse to comply with two instructions given by the Stewards at York.  The first of these was an instruction that CAPE BLANCO (IRE) be trotted up before the BHA’s Veterinary Officer and the Senior Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon as part of their examination of the colt prior to his leaving York racecourse.  The second was an instruction to attend a Stewards’ Enquiry into the refusal to allow CAPE BLANCO (IRE) to be trotted up before the BHA’s Veterinary Officer and the Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon.

Pat Keating also admitted to being twice in breach of Rule (B)83 regarding his failure to comply with the above instructions.

At today’s proceedings the Panel heard representations on penalty on behalf of Mr O’Brien, Mr Keating and the British Horseracing Authority.  The Panel is now considering the issue of penalty and drafting its reasons.  It is anticipated that a decision will be announced next week.