THREE jockeys were found in breach of the drug rules yesterday but the authorities believe that the situation is improving in Irish racing.

Apprentice David Simmonson and amateur rider Cian Cullinan were given lengthy bans at yesterday’s hearings, while no sanction has yet been decided for claiming professional Liam Quinlan for failing to give a sample when requested to do so.

Denis Egan, chief executive of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body, said: “These are the first cases in 2019, so things are improving. To-date this year we have tested 331 riders – 268 on the track and 63 at point-to-points. Compare that with last year, when we tested 254 riders and there were five positives.”

This is the first year of point-to-point testing and another initiative was introduced last Saturday when all 36 riders on duty at Gowran Park were tested. Egan explained: “Up to now the testing was random but at Gowran we did the whole lot and, in fairness, it got a good reaction from the senior riders.”

Egan also drew attention to the two anti-doping seminars for jockeys taking place at the moment. One took place in the Keadeen Hotel last Wednesday and another is scheduled for the Horse and Jockey Hotel next Wednesday. Attendance at one or other is mandatory for apprentices and claiming riders. Egan said: “The IHRB does not have a presence at these seminars, except for our senior medical officer, Dr Jennifer Pugh, and anything jockeys discuss with her is in confidence. We don’t want to inhibit jockeys from asking questions or seeking support.

“One jockey at today’s hearings told the panel that he felt asking for help would be seen as a sign of weakness. We need to get the message out there that support is available and it is confidential. Any rider can talk to Jennifer and nobody else will know about it.”

David Simmonson, who has ridden 12 winners, tested positive for cocaine and cannabis at Tipperary on August 11th. His two-year ban, instead of the normal four, was due to “unusual circumstances” and he can request a review of his suspension after one year.

Cullinan tested positive for cocaine at Listowel on September 10th and was given a four-year ban, again with the option of asking for a review after a year.

Liam Quinlan, who has enjoyed plenty of success on the track, has yet to learn of his punishment for failing to provide a sample when requested to do so on the Friday evening of the Galway Festival. He told the panel he “panicked” when he learned he had been selected for testing. Sanction has been deferred to a later date.

Positive test for anabolic steroid

BALLINROBE bumper winner Druim Samhraidh was disqualified yesterday for testing positive for an anabolic steroid. The David Dunne-trained gelding tested positive for the steroid boldenone after winning on August 12th.

The Garristown, Co Meath, trainer was given a €2,000 fine and the horse has been banned for racing for 14 months

Evidence presented to the Referrals Committee at yesterday’s hearing suggested the horse has come into contact with the prohibited substance prior to being in the trainer’s care.

*The Irish Racehorse Trainers Association will hold its annual general meeting next Tuesday (December 3rd) in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare, at 3pm. Eoin Griffin, Gavin Cromwell and Ross O’Sullivan are due to join the committee, replacing retiring members