Spike in positives does not indicate systematic doping – Irish anti-doping chief

There is no evidence of "systematic doping" in Irish racing despite five further findings of banned substances taking the number of winners subsequently disqualified this year to 12.

That was the view expressed on Thursday by Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board head of anti-doping Dr Lynn Hillyer, who also confirmed an internal review is being undertaken into the circumstances surrounding the regulator's cessation of its 22-year association with BHP Laboratories Ltd in Limerick last February.

That move came at a cost of around €500,000 and Newmarket-based LGC Laboratory has been used as a testing partner in the interim, with the procurement process to appoint a formal successor expected to be completed next month. Dr Cliodhna Guy, the IHRB's head of legal, is overseeing the review.