IHRB stresses 'strict procedures' in response to drug claims in Sunday newspaper

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has issued a statement insisting it acts on all information it receives after a Sunday Independent article alleged that information about illicit drug use provided by suspended trainer Stephen Mahon had not been thoroughly pursued.

In the article, which was written by Paul Kimmage, it is outlined how Mahon provided details of injectable testosterone – Sustavirol 250 and Propovirol 100 – which was being used by an unnamed trainer to Dr Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping with the IHRB.

The Racing Post asked the IHRB specific questions about the allegations, including whether or not it acted on the injectable testosterone and whether it shared the concerns raised in the article about horses being doped at pre-training yards.

It declined to respond to the specific questions, but provided the following statement: "The IHRB is responsible for the protecting the integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing and operates within a clearly defined set of rules and powers to ensure the welfare of animals, the integrity of the sport and fairness and due process for all participants.

"The IHRB treats all information it receives seriously, impartially and fairly. We reiterate that all information is assessed and acted upon whenever possible, including, if appropriate referral to other authorities. All information is treated with the utmost confidence and IHRB has strict procedures in place to safeguard this.

"Equine anti-doping is a top priority for the IHRB and a comprehensive strategy is in place. We have recently published our second anti-doping report detailing the number of tests being carried out on the track and at licensed premises and now, with the benefit of our Authorised Officer status at non-licensed venues including 'pre-training yards'. The number of last year being close to 6,000 in total.

"This work is continuing apace on a weekly basis and further updates will be published in due course. We welcome all information to assist in this vital work and can be reached through our Confidential phoneline on 1800855846."

In the newspaper article, Mahon – who is serving a three-and-a-half year suspension of his licence for neglect and welfare issues following a joint IHRB and Department of Agriculture inspection at his Galway yard last year – portrays Jim Bolger as an early mentor to him as a trainer.

Bolger claimed in October 2020 that drug cheats were the number-one problem in Irish racing and suggested there would be a 'Lance Armstrong' moment within the sport. Sunday's piece pitches Mahon as the source of Bolger's information.

In November of last year, the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee issued a 34-page report on Irish racing's anti-doping and regulatory processes with its chairman Jackie Cahill insisting the testing standards are of the "highest possible international standards."

The report recommended that an independent audit into the IHRB's testing regime should take place. That has recently been initiated by former New South Wales chief veterinary officer Craig Suann, who is conducting the audit remotely.

Read more:

Stephen Mahon: trainer's four-year suspension over neglect reduced by six months

Suspended Mahon fined after intimidating IHRB official during sampling procedure

Defiant IHRB denies drug cheat claims in key parliamentary hearing

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