DRUG testing and breathalysing of riders at point-to-points commenced this month.
On February 4th the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board sent a memo to the Qualified Riders Association with details of the process.
At meetings where breathalysing is taking place all riders will be tested. If the test indicates a concentration of ethanol exceeding 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres in breath the rider will not be allowed to ride. This is the same as the legal limit for driving. A result exceeding 35 microgrammes will lead to a Referrals Committee hearing.
Riders for drug testing will be selected randomly. Chosen riders will be required to produce a urine sample of at least 50mls for the IHRB sampling officer. This will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If it returns positive the rider will be given the option of having the ‘B’ portion of the sample tested at a different laboratory.
In the past year five riders have tested positive for banned substances and positive drug tests can lead to lengthy suspensions.
Riders can contact Dr Jennifer Pugh, the senior IHRB medical officer on 087 278 8717.
New venue for Horse & Jockey
THE Premier Harriers fixture on Sunday, March 10th, which was originally to be held at Horse & Jockey, will now take place at Turtulla near Thurles. Racing will be right-handed.
Calling all stable staff. Will you accept the Borris Bumper challenge?
BORRIS House point-to-point will host the first running of the ‘Borris Bumper’, a two-mile flat race open only to stable staff riding horses with a current hunters certificate.
The race will close the card scheduled for Sunday, March 3rd.
Gill Browne, speaking on behalf of the Carlow Farmers Hunt, said: “We want to encourage staff working in racing yards to participate and sample the thrill of riding in a race, wearing racing colours and feeling the buzz!
“Riders will wear correct protective racing gear - helmets and back protectors. There is great excitement already building around the racing yards for this.”
CONTACT DETAILS
For full details and entry forms, please contact Gill Browne (086 1715586) or Aidan Fitzgerald (086 2796887).