Jockeys stood down at Galway for alcohol

Two jockeys were stood down for the day at Galway on Sunday following positive tests for alcohol.

Both Leigh Roche and Eoin Staples were found to be above the legal limit for drink driving after being tested at the racing.

The following are the stewards’ reports for both cases.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Doping Control Officer, Ms. Sinead Tarrant that L.F. Roche, rider, tested positive for alcohol following a pre race test.

Evidence was heard from Ms. Tarrant, Ms. Abby Tarrant, Assistant Doping Control Officer, Dr. A. Lehane, IHRB Medical Officer and L.F. Roche. Ms. Sinead Tarrant reported that all jockeys were tested today including Mr. Roche. Ms. Abby Tarrant stated that Mr. Roche was tested at 15.06 which returned an amber reading, he was tested again at 15.15 which returned a red reading. When tested on the Alcometer he returned a result in excess of 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. Dr. Lehane stated that she witnessed the Alcometer reading and could confirm the figures. Mr. Roche accepted the evidence of the Doping Control Officers and Medical Officer. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood the rider down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(i)(c).

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Doping Control Officer, Ms. Sinead Tarrant that E. Staples, rider, tested positive for alcohol following a pre race test. Evidence was heard from Ms. Tarrant, Ms. Abby Tarrant, Assistant Doping Control Officer, Dr Adrian McGoldrick IHRB Medical Officer and Mr. Staples. Ms. Abby Tarrant stated that Mr Staples was tested at 13.27 and 13.38 which were negative but displayed an amber result. At 14.23 he underwent a lab test which returned a level in excess of 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Dr. McGoldrick stated that he witnessed the alcometer test and confirmed the reading.

Mr. Staples stated that he was informed by a Raceday Integrity Officer that he was required for a test. He stated that he lost a considerable amount of weight in a short space of time which may have been a factor in the positive test but accepted he had tested positive for alcohol. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood the rider down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(i)(c).