It is therefore an advance that the British Horseracing Authority this week announced a zero-tolerance policy on anabolic steroids, though I have noticed plenty of comment that a ban of a year or 14 months, from training and racing respectively, is far from what the public would understand to be zero-tolerance. The policy is to be replicated by the four major current European racing authorities in Ireland, France, Britain and Germany and will come into effect on January 1st next.

While these policies are above the minimum standards set out by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, there is probably still a road to travel if we are to rid the sport of this curse for once and for all. It is also going to be necessary for all the global racing authorities to come onboard and adopt the same criteria in each jurisdiction.

Anabolic steroids have no place in horse racing and should not be permitted, whether horses are in training or resting. There may well be counter arguments, even from some professionals, but once the rules are clear and unambiguous then those in charge of the care of horses will be in no doubt about what is allowed and what is banned.

The new policy will give the racing authorities the right to test any registered horse at any time and in any location. This should mean there is no hiding place for offenders and it will be up to the authorities to be vigorous in their testing procedures and committed to enforcing penalties.

ANXIOUS WAIT

The news, as we were going to press, that there is some doubt over the participation of Kingston Hill in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby today follows plenty of concern about what the going will likely be. Let us hope that the worst case scenario does not materialise and that the sole British-trained runner is allowed to take his place.

This mid-summer championship race deserves to have the Epsom one-two taking each other on again and that a firm mid-season champion emerges. The status of Ireland’s premier classic deserves to be boosted by having a number of outstanding challengers for this hugely valuable prize. Ten Epsom winners since 1962 have failed to win at the Curragh. Hopefully Australia will not join that group.