THE task force set up by Horse Racing Ireland to combat the threat posed to the industry by anabolic steroids will meet for the first time next week.

Headed by veterinary surgeon and Deputy Senior Steward Meta Osborne, the 14-member committee includes representatives from the major industry bodies. The task force was established by HRI before Christmas in response to the rapidly changing environment in this area.

Though no racehorses here have tested positive for anabolic steroids, high-profile court cases last year involving two licensed trainers and a retired veterinary surgeon found in possession of anabolic steroids exposed a potential major problem for the Irish racing and breeding industry.

Since the start of this year all racehorses whether returned in or out of training, or for whom a hunter certificate has been issued, are liable for testing at any time. The Turf Club aims to expand the testing to “all horses as early as possible after birth” from 2016.

Other measures being taken include work on developing hair-testing methodology and an overhaul of the laboratory equipment used for testing samples.

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh, a member of the task force, said: “I think it is a very strong group representing the key sectors of the industry and am delighted that Meta will chair it. Hopefully it should make for a strong co-ordinated industry-wide response across racing, sales and breeding on this fundamental issue. The key is that it is an industry-wide approach.”

The group is expected to complete its work by the end of May. HRI has already commissioned a review of Irish drug testing systems by Dr Terence Wan, head of laboratory of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is due to be completed by the end of March.

British racing has also taken steps to introduce “zero tolerance” for steroid use from March 2nd.

Key pillars of the British policy include that a racehorse must never be administered with an anabolic steroid at any time from birth to retirement. The British Horseracing Authority is seeking greater powers in terms of access for testing registered horses and greater controls on horses running in Britain from international jurisdictions.

TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Meta Osborne (Chairperson)

Eimear Mulhern (HRI nominee)

Brian Kavanagh (HRI nominee)

John Weld, MRCVS (Association of Irish Racehorse Owners)

Dr Brendan Doyle (Association of Irish Racehorse Owners)

John O’Connor, MRCVS (Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association)

Dr Des Leadon (Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association)

Dr Tom Barragry (Turf Club)

Denis Egan (Turf Club)

John Oxx, MRCVS (Irish Racehorse Trainers Association)

Michael Halford (Irish Racehorse Trainers Association)

Neil Walsh (Tattersalls Ireland)

Ronan Griffin (Goffs)

Ronan Murphy (Weatherbys)

Executive support will be provided to the group by Jason Morris.