IN life sometimes it’s hard to know who to believe.
That’s certainly the case with drugs in Ireland at the moment.
The BHA could look to bring in a new rule after Tiger Roll’s latest Grand National controversy
Or at least with the possible use of performance enhancing drugs in Irish racing.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board issued a statement at the weekend insisting it acts on all information it receives after a paper article alleged that information about illicit drug use provided by suspended trainer Stephen Mahon had not been thoroughly pursued.
In the article it was outlined how Mahon provided details of injectable testosterone – Sustavirol 250 and Propovirol 100 – which was being used by an unnamed trainer to Dr Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping with the IHRB.
The statement said: “The IHRB is responsible for the protecting the integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing and operates within a clearly defined set of rules and powers to ensure the welfare of animals, the integrity of the sport and fairness and due process for all participants.
“The IHRB treats all information it receives seriously, impartially and fairly. We reiterate that all information is assessed and acted upon whenever possible, including, if appropriate referral to other authorities. All information is treated with the utmost confidence and IHRB has strict procedures in place to safeguard this.
“Equine anti-doping is a top priority for the IHRB and a comprehensive strategy is in place. We have recently published our second anti-doping report detailing the number of tests being carried out on the track and at licensed premises and now, with the benefit of our Authorised Officer status at non-licensed venues including ‘pre-training yards’. The number of last year being close to 6,000 in total.
“This work is continuing apace on a weekly basis and further updates will be published in due course. We welcome all information to assist in this vital work and can be reached through our Confidential phoneline on 1800855846.”
I know people who think differently, although of course it would be impossible for me to comment personally.
People tell me that they have effectively been silenced in Ireland.
I am told a reporter wanted to go to press relating to a horse called Geoffrey’s Girl and allegations that a notable vet had colluded with another veterinary officer to euthanise the mare to try and suggest misdemeanours by Mahon. To you and me a stitch up job. Who knows if that’s true though?
I am also told an official complaint was attempted to be made to the Veterinary Council of Ireland but was turned down. And that the person who turned it down was linked to the above vets. But who knows?
It’s a mess. And it’s impossible to get answers.
ROLL WITH IT
The row between BHA handicapper Martin Greenwood and Michael O’Leary over Tiger Roll’s rating for the Grand National has been quite fun from afar.
I suspect the BHA haven’t liked it and they will probably soon set rules in place to stop owners speaking out.
But for those of us watching on a bit of spice is always enjoyable.
I don’t need to go into all the pounds and measures. O’Leary thinks Tiger Roll should have about 6lb less on his back than the handicapper.
As a result he tells me Tiger Roll will be taken out of the National at the next forfeit stage.
I can actually see both sides.
Greenwood can easily justify his mark for Tiger Roll on past Grand National form.
O’Leary can easily do so on age of his horse and the fact he’s been hopeless recently.
I actually think a mark of about 158 would have been fair.
Anyway boys, keep the banter up. It’s what the sport is all about – opinions.
