Edward Fitzgerald QC instructed in important win in case of Timothy Brennan v British Horseracing Authority
On 16th and 17th July, Edward Fitzgerald QC, instructed by Joseph Fitzpatrick of Smithwick Solicitors, together with Stephen Laniganokeefe and Eoghan O’Sullivan represented Timothy Brennan before the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Brennan was alleged to have passed insider information about a horse he had been working with to his brother. The horse was being trained by Willie Mullins, famous trainer of many Grand Nationals Winners.
Brennan’s legal team won on all points, with the Panel deciding that Timothy Brennan was not subject to the Rules of Racing as a self-employed vet and that it had not been proved that Brennan was the source of the inside information.
The defence team called Willie Mullins to give evidence.
The case is important in establishing the limits of the BHA. It is also important in establishing the duty of disclosure when dealing with the BHA. It is an important vindication of the vet in question.
