Third Drug Test Failure for Cheltenham Festival-Winning Trainer
A Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, Tony Martin, has been hit with a six-month suspended ban and fined £9,500 after his winning horse, Firstman, failed a drugs test. This is the third time in four years that one of Martin's horses has tested positive.
Banned Substance Found in Firstman's System
Firstman, a Flat runner, tested positive for lidocaine, a banned substance commonly used as a cutting agent in cocaine. Lidocaine is used to block pain and is prohibited on racedays.
Possible Contamination Rejected
During a hearing with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), Martin suggested that the positive test result may have been due to contaminated paper bedding at Dundalk, where Firstman was stabled. However, this explanation was rejected by the panel.
No Source of Substance Identified
An inspection of Martin's stables the following month failed to identify the source of the lidocaine. Hair and blood samples were taken from nine horses, and none of them tested positive. The IHRB could not determine how the horse came to test positive.
Fine for Failure to Maintain Medicine Register
In addition to the ban and fine for the failed drug test, Martin was also fined for failing to maintain a complete medicine register at his yard in Ireland. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Six-Month Ban Suspended for Two Years
Martin's six-month ban has been suspended for two years. This means that if he does not violate any further rules or regulations during this time, he will be able to continue training.
Trainer's Previous Successes
Tony Martin has a successful career as a trainer, having won the Galway Hurdle four times and trained top horses such as Anibale Fly, owned by JP McManus.
