Amateur Luke McGuinness banned until 2026 after third positive cocaine test

Luke McGuinness has tested positive for cocaine for a third time and cannot reapply for his licence until 2026, while two other Irish-based riders have also received drug bans from a referrals committee of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

McGuinness was tested at Limerick on December 27, where he rode favourite Happy Victory to finish fourth in the concluding bumper, and the sample was found to contain a metabolite of cocaine. He did not request a B sample.

The amateur rider only reapplied for his licence in December having returned a positive test at a point-to-point fixture in January of 2020. He was handed a six-year suspension for that, a second offence, but having complied with strict terms and conditions he was allowed to return to the saddle in December.

This third positive sample means McGuinness will now serve a four-year suspension from January 21 of this year to the same date in 2026 when he will be allowed to reapply for his licence.

McGuinness's case was heard by a referrals committee on April 11, which consisted of Tony Hunt (chairman), Nicholas Wachman and Laurence McFerran.

Hunt said: "This is unfortunately a third offence and, in relation to the balance of four years which is outstanding, we feel we have no option but to activate the outstanding period beginning from January 21 which is when Mr McGuinness was notified of this finding.

"Having activated the previous sanction, we now have to address the new breach and are imposing a consecutive penalty so on the expiry of this current four years there will be a further suspension of four years.

"However, because of the timeframe involved and with the hope that Mr McGuinness may have addressed matters fully by the end of the initial four years, he will be entitled to make an application to the Referrals Committee once he has completed this current four-year suspension, to either in whole or in part have that new penalty suspended based on whatever plan and proposal is drawn up with the assistance of Dr Pugh [IHRB chief medical officer], Mr Brennan [counsellor] or their respective successors at that particular time."

McGuinness has ridden 15 winners in Ireland and one in Britain. His best season was in 2016-17 when he rode nine winners from 69 rides, including a bumper on subsequent dual Grade 1 winner The Storyteller at Downpatrick in May 2016.

Another jockey to test positive for cocaine is Liam Quinlan, with his positive sample taken at Limerick on November 16 of last year. He did not request a B sample either and, back in November of 2019, he also failed to submit a doping control test as requested.

He was handed a one-year suspension for the offence in 2019 and four years for the positive test returned last year. The last four years of those five will be suspended subject to conditions and the panel would be prepared to look favourably at reviewing the suspension after nine months.

Quinlan has ridden 26 career winners, ten of which were for trainer John Ryan, who gave evidence at the hearing and provided the panel with the background to the rider's employment and the work he carries out on a daily basis.

In her evidence, Pugh said Quinlan had first come to her attention following the referral in 2019. She stated there were mitigating circumstances at that time and Quinlan had fully complied with conditions set out by her in the subsequent months.

Liam Quinlan: also tested positive for cocaineCredit: Patrick McCann

Paul Lake also tested positive for cocaine, the sample taken at Fairyhouse on November 9 of last year.

He was handed a four-year suspension, but the last three years will be suspended once he engages positively with Pugh and Brennan.

The day Lake was tested at Fairyhouse was his only ride under rules in his career when he finished fifth on the Conor O'Dwyer-trained Emir De Rots in a handicap hurdle.

Commenting on the cases, Niall Cronin, head of communications for the IHRB, said: "The anti-doping programme in place for riders within the IHRB remains robust with 367 of tests carried out between the racecourse and point-to-points in 2021 with all four positive results being for cocaine.

"While a banned substance remains just that, there are stark differences between performance-enhancing drugs and illicit substances, with health and safety being the main concern for anyone using cocaine, along with the fact these are illegal substances.

He added: "These cases all have a personal story behind them, from occasional recreational users to those suffering from addiction.

"Cocaine is the substance we are finding most which is a direct reflection of the scourge this drug is placing on our society, and jockeys are no different in how they socialise and the circumstance they may find themselves in. However, as a licensed jockey, the use of illicit substances is simply not an option at any time.

"While continuing to look at various ways to enhance our anti-doping programme, the IHRB also offer full support to all riders who seek help at any stage.

"The licensees remain fortunate to have the support of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and the Irish Jockeys Trust, who fund counselling and rehabilitation facilities where needed, and we continue to improve education opportunities for all jockeys regarding the use of drugs."

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