JOCKEYS of all levels of experience are being asked to attend one of two anti-doping seminars taking place in March.

Organised by the IHRB, the seminars will take place on Tuesday, March 5th at 7pm in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare, and on Wednesday, March 20th at 7pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co Tipperary.

The seminars will cover:

  • The testing process
  • What is a banned substance and what a rider needs to declare
  • History of testing in Ireland
  • The disciplinary hearing /implications of a positive test
  • Supports available

    • Attendance at one of the seminars, is mandatory for apprentices and claiming professionals. Qualified riders and professionals are strongly encouraged to attend.

    IHRB chief executive Denis Egan said: “In view of the number of positive test results which are increasing year on year, the IHRB is holding seminars to educate riders as it appears that many of them are not familiar with the rules and the implications of what will happen if they return a positive test. Under the new penalty structure, a positive test may in effect end a rider’s career.”

    He added: “Testing of riders for banned substances is being introduced at point-to-points and this will mean that many riders who do not regularly ride on the racecourse are likely to be tested so it is important that qualified riders attend one of the seminars.”