Pat Kelly, the Co Galway-based trainer who won the Cheltenham Festival with Presenting Percy and Mall Dini, has had his licence suspended indefinitely by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) amid what the Referrals Committee described as 'continuing regulatory concerns'.
Background of the case
The IHRB Referrals Committee first imposed a fine of £2,000 on Kelly in June 2026 for failing to engage with correspondence regarding issues raised during an inspection of his stable in January 2026. At that hearing, the Committee warned that his licence would be suspended from seven days after the July 1 hearing unless he engaged with the IHRB and demonstrated that the highlighted issues had been resolved.
Kelly, known for his reclusive nature and avoidance of media attention, is best remembered for his handling of Presenting Percy, who under Davy Russell won the Pertemps Final in 2017 and the RSA Chase in 2018 at the Cheltenham Festival. He also trained Mall Dini to victory in the 2016 Pertemps Final.
Reconvened hearing on July 7
The Committee reconvened on July 7, 2026, to assess Kelly's level of engagement and the outcome of a further stable inspection. According to the Committee, photographs of horse passports were provided by Dr Lesley Ferguson, who also noted that 'some concerns raised regarding the management of the Training Premises remain live issues'.
The Committee stated: 'The panel considered the engagement from Mr Kelly, contact he made with the IHRB on the day of the reconvened hearing, noting his imposition and they considered the level of mitigation including his personal circumstances.'
Decision to suspend licence
'Having considered the evidence, the submissions made on behalf of the IHRB, and the information placed before it since its determination of 30 June 2026, the Referrals Committee determined that the condition attached to its earlier decision had not been satisfied. Accordingly, the Referrals Committee confirmed that the suspension of Mr Kelly's Trainer's Licence shall take effect immediately.'
The Committee emphasised that 'engagement with the IHRB is a fundamental obligation of every licensed Trainer and that compliance with the Rules of Racing requires ongoing cooperation with the IHRB's regulatory processes.' It further noted 'the continuing regulatory concerns arising in this matter.'
Outcome and future implications
The suspension will remain in force until further order of the Referrals Committee. Kelly will need to satisfy the Committee that he has addressed the matters of concern before any future licence application will be considered. The trainer had run a horse as recently as the day before the July 7 hearing, according to the IHRB.
