Horse Racing Ireland have announced a new range of anti-doping measures for the sport.
These new measures include; 4000+ horses to be sampled by IHRB in Ireland in 2021. 600 samples to be taken at public auction. No-notice testing to be applied as IHRB veterinary team now granted Authorised Officer status
Under new powers granted to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, every thoroughbred in the country will in future be liable for testing without notice on both licensed (trainers) and unlicensed premises.
These new powers of access conferred under Authorised Officer (AO) status will put the Irish regulatory regime on a par with the best in the world.
“Integrity around anti-doping is a top priority for the Irish racing and breeding industry. People who set out to intentionally break the rules and use prohibited substances will be identified and prosecuted” said Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).
“They have no place in Ireland’s world-renowned racing industry and all industry bodies are committed to zero tolerance in this area” added Kavanagh.
The range of new measures reaffirms Horse Racing Ireland’s position in relation to drug testing within Irish horse racing and the wider thoroughbred industry.
HRI also reaffirmed its commitment to resource and support an enhanced programme of anti-doping measures to ensure that Ireland operates to the best international standards.
