TRAINERS, their staff and veterinary surgeons are being invited to attend anti-doping seminars hosted by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB).

The seminars aim to reduce the risk of positive tests, which have increased significantly in recent months, and to provide an update on the types of substances involved.

So far this year, there have been seven referrals compared with six for the whole of 2017 but there are currently several cases which are pending and due to be finalised in coming weeks.

According to the IHRB, the increase is the result of a combination of factors including a more proactive approach to testing and increased numbers of samples being taken. To date this year, the IHRB has submitted around 2,400 samples for analysis from the racecourse, point to points and out-of-competition. It is expected that the total number of samples tested this year will be 10% higher than 2017.

The referrals to date have involved mostly therapeutic equine medicines, given too close to a race-day, and the misuse of a supplements, says the IHRB.

Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping for the IHRB, said: “We are committed to being accessible and transparent in the area of anti-doping – it’s clear that the cases so far have largely arisen through a lack of understanding and error rather than deliberate cheating. Trainers, handlers and their vets are increasingly coming forward to ask for advice and so prevent issues. That is where we all want to be.”

Entitled ‘Prohibited Substances – Managing the Risk’, the first seminar will be held after racing at Laytown next Thursday in City North Hotel, Gormanston, Co Meath from 7pm to 9pm.

The second seminar will take place at the IHRB offices on the Curragh from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, September 26th. The final talk is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3rd (after racing at Cork) at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co Tipperary, from 7pm to 9pm.

Lynn Hillyer, will make a presentation, as will IHRB veterinary officers Nicola O’Connor and Alan Dunlop. This will be followed by a question and answer session.

The seminars will provide insight into:

  • What substances are involved in the current cases, their sources, why now and why does it matter?
  • What happens in a prohibited substance case – stages of analysis, investigation, referral, and outcomes.
  • The role of the laboratory.
  • How ‘positives’ can be prevented.
  • Understanding exposure to prohibited substances and managing it.
  • Understanding the medicines register, detection times, stand-downs and withdrawal times.
  • Understanding trainers’ responsibilities in the context of the Rules of Racing.

    • Veterinary surgeons will receive CPD credits for attending. Places are limited, and anyone wishing to attend should inform the IHRB in advance.

    Email: equine@ihrb.ie

    Tel: 045 445600 (Michelle Daly)