No evidence that doping rules in Ireland are below standard – report

A report into horseracing in Ireland has found no evidence that doping regulations fall below international standards.

The report, by the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, was prompted by allegations from trainer Jim Bolger that drugs are Irish racing’s No1 problem.

It makes 11 recommendations, including that all favourites and those who finish in the first five of any race be mandatorily tested – using hair samples. It also calls for facilities to allow for random testing to take place and a review of the composition of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, to address concerns over a lack of independent membership and gender balance.

The report, drafted by officials on behalf of Agriculture Committee chair Jackie Cahill and released yesterday, calls on the IHRB to follow governance structures similar to those in the United States.

“There was a lot of comment in the media and, to restore public confidence, we felt that transparency was very important. That is coming out clearly in this report,” Cahill said. “At no stage was there any evidence found that the testing regulations in Ireland were anything but the highest possible international standards.”

Cahill said the recommendations in the report will give “100 per cent confidence” to the public that the highest standards of dope testing are employed in Ireland.

An independent review of the industry by an outside body, including a full audit of all tests previously carried out, is also recommended to “ensure that Ireland’s drug-testing procedures match international best practices”, along with the installation of CCTV at all Irish racecourses and a system of equine traceability.

The report also calls for greater transparency on the wage structure at the IHRB.

Cahill said the allegations about Irish racing had damaged the sport, and called on Agriculture Minister Charlie Mcconalogue to implement the recommendations as soon as possible.