Defiant IHRB denies drug cheat claims in key parliamentary hearing

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board launched a defiant defence of its anti-doping procedures at a key parliamentary hearing on Thursday over allegations of drug cheats in the sport, at which one TD even called for a new independent body to regulate Irish racing.

The Oireachtas Agriculture Committee hearing was triggered following remarks by trainer Jim Bolger suggesting that "there will be a Lance Armstrong in Irish racing".

Denis Egan, who announced last week he will take early retirement from his position as IHRB chief executive in September, insisted that his organisation "continues to evidence that there is no systematic attempt to cheat through doping in Irish racing".

Egan appeared alongside the regulator's chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping Dr Lynn Hillyer, Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh, as well as Dr Clive Pearce, laboratory director and director of sport and specialised analytical services at LGC, the laboratory used by both the IHRB and BHA. Bolger declined his invitation to substantiate his claims before the committee following legal advice.

IHRB chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping Dr Lynn HillyerCredit: Oireachtas TV

Independent TD Michael Collins, who was among a number of politicians to quiz some of Irish racing's most senior figures, expressed concerns over the regulator's role as a body partially funded by the state.

"I personally believe that the IHRB-Turf Club should be dismantled, that an independent policing body be set up to police and regulate Irish horseracing, " he said.

"This committee could be answerable to HRI, this government and this Agriculture Committee. There are a lot of issues out there at present that need to be explained properly for the sake of accountability and tax-payers' money."

Egan stated that all information provided to the IHRB has been followed up and that there has never been a case where the regulator discovered a positive sample and failed to take action.

Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe, who requested the meeting take place, revealed that he had been "absolutely horrified and very concerned" by correspondence he had received surrounding the practices of the IHRB after instigating the hearing.

The Wexford representative said: "This is a very important industry to Ireland and I don't want to see it going down the same way as other industries have. Mr Egan – I don't want you to pass these questions over to anybody else – you spoke that information you receive is assessed and acted upon.

Paul Kehoe: 'This is a very important industry to Ireland and I don't want to see it going down the same way as other industries have'Credit: Oireachtas TV

"Well, if it's anything by the amount of information I have gotten over the last number of weeks since I sent in this correspondence [to hold the meeting], I've been absolutely horrified and very concerned. Actually – by the day – more concerned by what is happening in the IHRB, and maybe what is not happening in the IHRB."

It was claimed in last week's Sunday Independent that three of six horses an English trainer sourced in Ireland showed evidence of prohibited substances following an independent toxicology study. The BHA and IHRB later released statements insisting the allegations were not supported by their internationally accredited LGC laboratory.

Hillyer reiterated that those claims "were simply untrue". When it was put to the IHRB by senator Ronan Mullen that Bolger had been a thorn in the side of the regulator, Hillyer rejected the suggestion emphasising the organisation welcomed information from everyone. "Our frustration and disappointment is in relation to some of the headlines that have been incorrect," she said.

Lynn Hillyer: 'We've been quoted as having not analysed every sample – that is simply untrue'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"We've been quoted as having not analysed every sample – that is simply untrue. We've been said to have a rubbish lab – that is simply untrue. The frustration is from the reporting and the headlines, not from people coming forward and telling us information."

Pressed on whether she believes people are using performance-enhancing substances in Irish racing by Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy, Hillyer said: "I believe that by the fact we have an extensive, modern anti-doping programme in place, by the fact we are detecting, deterring and disrupting the behaviour, I think that we are on top of it. Is there cheating? I think people will always try to go close to the edge in any sport, that is true."

Chairman Jackie Cahill suggested parties reconvene on Tuesday, July 20Credit: Oireachtas TV

The perception of a 'gentleman's club' and 'closed shop' regarding the IHRB was raised by several speakers, including Collins. But Kavanagh rejected the suggestion that the IHRB is not answerable to anybody.

Egan explained that the IHRB was "very frustrated and disappointed by recent allegations" surrounding integrity and drug use in Irish racing, welcoming the opportunity to "set the record straight" before the committee.

Hillyer, who delivered a comprehensive response to queries involving the practicalities of the IHRB's anti-doping programme, said out-of-competition testing has been an area of change since her appointment in 2016.

Denis Egan: IHRB chief executive will take early retirement in SeptemberCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"It was very clear to me that the out-of-competition testing needed to increase in line with best international practice," she said. "We moved from seven per cent in 2016, to 18 per cent in 2019 and we're now sitting at around 28 per cent. That is best international practice."

Hillyer added: "Access that we have since May 21 means that my team can literally go to any thoroughbred in the island and that is unparalleled. We have a team out this morning doing that."

After being questioned across the two-hour meeting by members of the 14-person committee on an array of topics – including anti-doping, self-regulation, potential conflicts of interest, supposed issues over financial accounts, a lack of CCTV at racecourses and disclosure over IHRB staff salaries – chairman Jackie Cahill suggested all parties reconvene on Tuesday, July 20, with a number of members having outstanding questions.

Egan also revealed a state-of-the-art CCTV system will be rolled out to all Irish courses "prior to the commencement of the 2022 racing season", with the funding initially allocated for that service in 2018 having been spent elsewhere.

Read more on this subject

BHA and IHRB insist claims of steroid positives not supported by lab tests

Pre-race drug testing in Ireland imminent, according to regulator

Jim Bolger tells committee he will not attend key hearing on doping allegations

Jessica Harrington addresses Jim Bolger's drug cheats claim in Irish racing

Ger Lyons backs Bolger over anti-doping comments and calls for action

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