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IHRB Issues Strong Anti-Doping Statement

Following Irish trainer Jim Bolger voicing his concerns on doping in Irish racing this past weekend, a strong statement against doping was issued by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Monday evening.

The statement read: “Following comments made recently, the IHRB can once again stress there is a zero-tolerance approach to doping in Irish racing and we operate to the highest level using LGC Laboratories in Newmarket, who are one of five International Federation Horseracing Authorities certified laboratories in the world, and the same laboratory used by the British Horseracing Authority.

“The IHRB will continue our extensive testing programme with 5,000 samples in 2021, once again including every race winner, additional raceday samples, out of competition samples and now also at unlicensed premises following on from the receipt of authorised officer status for 12 employees of the IHRB last month, which allows us to access and sample any thoroughbred at any time in Ireland.

“Each and every one of the samples taken are sent to LGC for analysis and any sample that returns an adverse analytical finding is acted upon, and details published, following our disciplinary process. LGC have been world leaders in anabolic steroid detection for over 60 years and most recently have led detection of these drugs in hair.”

Since May, the IHRB authorised officers have visited studs, consignors and pre-training yards besides licenced trainers, with about a quarter of the samples collected being out-of-competition tests.

Denis Egan, CEO of the IHRB said, “There is no room for complacency when it comes to equine anti-doping. The IHRB have shown that by significant increases in testing over the last number of years, and through collaboration with LGC, we have been able to take advantage of the science available.

“Our focus is on risk-based and intelligence led strategy which directs us to get the right sample from the right horse at the right time. The appointment of IHRB officials as authorised officers further strengthens that.”

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, added, “Ireland is a global leader in racing and breeding, and that position brings with it a responsibility to always be vigilant when it comes to anti-doping.

“HRI considers it crucial that continuous investment is made in ensuring that testing is constantly increasing in both numbers and agility, utilising the most modern techniques, and is of an internationally accredited standard.

“HRI has consistently increased its investment in anti-doping through the IHRB in recent years, and that will continue to be the case. This is not a closed industry so I would encourage anybody who believes that there are people operating outside of the rules, to contact the IHRB and make their concerns known.”

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Interest in Horse Racing in Ireland Increasing

Following a nationwide poll, interest in horse racing in Ireland has increased, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Wednesday. A poll of over 1,000 people, conducted by the Red C research company between Feb. 8-Feb. 15, aimed at understanding the adult population's attitudes toward horse racing. The results are as follows:

In 2021, 39% of the population have an interest in horse racing versus 23% last year
A total of 85% of racing fans are missing attending race meetings
19% of racing fans plan to attend more race meetings than previously
27% of 18-34 year-olds plan to attend more race meetings than previously
40% of the population would have some interest in joining a racing syndicate or racing club.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “The results of the poll demonstrate that interest in horse racing has increased through the pandemic. While racing has been held behind closed doors since March of last year, it is heartening that such a large percentage of racing fans are eager for a return to the racecourse.

“The numbers of people getting involved in racehorse ownership continues to rise and the survey results reflect this increased appetite. Racehorse ownership is the key catalyst for growth at every level of the industry.”

Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses and HRI's Director of Commercial & Marketing, added, “The figure of 60% for people who follow the sport on a weekly basis is well up on the 2020 equivalent of 47%. The feedback shows that HRI's 'On Your Terms' television ad campaign has performed very well among sports and racing fans.

“It is such a positive that there has been an increased number of racemeetings broadcast live on terrestrial television and this has been very well received. We are grateful to both RTÉ and TG4 for their increased commitment to Irish Racing.

“Indeed, the new broadcasting deal with RTÉ for live coverage of Irish horse racing for the next three years will deliver a record number of free-to-air live racing days in Ireland.”

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Brian Kavanagh To Depart HRI

Brian Kavanagh, the first chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland appointed in 2001, will conclude his term with the organization at the end of his contract in September. HRI, the commercial semi-state body responsible for the overall governance, development, promotion and administration of thoroughbred racing in Ireland, will begin a recruitment campaign on Friday for the role of CEO.

Nicky Hartery, chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “I would like to thank Brian Kavanagh for 20 years of incredible service and deep commitment to Horse Racing Ireland and to the industry in Ireland. Brian was the first CEO of Horse Racing Ireland when appointed in 2001, and during his time he has played a huge role in Irish racing and breeding, enabling it to become a leader on the global stage while domestically overseeing the growth of a vital rural-based industry. His knowledge and expertise, at home and abroad, will no doubt ensure that Brian will continue to play a significant part in the industry, and we wish him well.”

Kavanagh said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland and to work under three different chairmen who each promoted a strategic vision for the Irish horse racing and breeding industries. It is a sector full of variety and of really talented people and I have nothing but good memories of the projects and people that I have dealt with on the way. I would like to pay particular tribute to the board members and staff of Horse Racing Ireland, past and present, whose commitment and dedication to the improvement of the industry has been a constant during my time as chief executive.

“Last week was a good week for racing, but we cannot rest on our laurels and there is much work to do between now and September. While Brexit and Covid-19 are currently providing significant challenges, there are wonderful opportunities facing the sector also. Our horses and our people are our greatest strength.”

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GAIN to Sponsor The Advantage Series

GAIN Equine Nutrition will sponsor a new race series, The Advantage Series, for the Irish Flat Season, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Tuesday.

Launched with Ado McGuinness Racing, the eight part series of races will be run for points over a variety of conditions to cater to different trainers and horses throughout the season. For each race, there will be a 40% prizemoney boost. A grand prize of €5,000 worth of GAIN Equine Nutrition products will be awarded to the trainer who tops the GAIN The Advantage Series at the end of the season.

The series will begin on Classic Trials Day at Leopardstown on Apr. 11, and then move to Cork, Navan, Ballinrobe, Fairyhouse, Tipperary, The Curragh and end at Naas on Oct. 17, where the overall winning trainer of the series will be determined. There will be a drawing for grooms only for a three-night luxury stay at The Alex Hotel in Dublin supported by The Alex. In addition, the winning breeder of each race will receive a framed photo of the winning horse and will be entered into a drawing to win one tonne of GAIN Equine Nutrition products. For more details on the series, please visit www.hri.ie.com.

Joanne Hurley, GAIN Equine Nutrition, Irish Country Manager, said, “The team at GAIN are really excited to launch the GAIN The Advantage Series. Thoroughbred racing and breeding customers are a key part of our business and we are delighted that we can support so much of the industry through this series that travels right around the country. The stable staff are often the lesser-known connections of the horse, but an equally important element to a racehorse's success and it is fantastic that we can reward them through this series also.”

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