Dunphy fails to prepare appeal in Like A Diamond case

The Like A Diamond affair has taken another bizarre twist after the Turf Club revealed on Wednesday it was unable to hear trainer Sharon Dunphy's appeal against her two-year disqualification as her representative was not qualified to present it.

Dunphy received her penalty on December 21 over her role in the incident that led to the gambled-on Like A Diamond being withdrawn before his intended debut at Ballinrobe in July 2013.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Dunphy first lodged an appeal on December 22, however no deposit was included with the appeal. The Turf Club wrote to Dunphy's solicitors the following day, asking for the deposit to be paid, but it was not forthcoming.

Dunphy sent an email to the Turf Club on February 13, acknowledging she would like to withdraw her appeal, only to have a change of heart a week later, when she contacted the Turf Club again to tell them she wished to proceed.

Laois-based Dunphy did not attend the hearing on Tuesday and was represented by William Murphy. However the appeals body did not have the power to hear Murphy as he was not a designated official of any association recognised by the governing bodies, nor was he a solicitor or barrister.

Dunphy declined to comment on Wednesday.