John Cullen loses two winners Jockey John Cullen will be disappointed to learn that the mare he rode to two wins earlier this year has been disqualified for testing positive to banned substances. The Referrals Committee, Mr. Edward Flannery (in the Chair), Mr. P.J.A. O'Connor and Mrs. J.O. Onions, met in the Turf Club Offices, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, on Tuesday 21st October, 2008, to consider a report from BHP Laboratories in Limerick that the biological fluid sample taken from "Fortune Seeker" following its two wins in the Moylough Concrete Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe on 22nd July, 2008, and the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park / Kerry Racegoers Club 25th Anniversary Maiden Hurdle at Killarney on 14th July, 2008, was found to contain Theobromine and Caffeine, both of which are included in the Schedule of Prohibited Substances pursuant to Rule 20 (v) of the Rules of Racing and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules. Evidence was heard from Mr. B. Moran, Trainer of the horse, and Mr. S.W.D. McIlveen, Turf Club Veterinary Officer. Having considered the evidence the Committee fined Mr. Moran ?130 but this was waived as the Committee was satisfied that the Prohibited Substance was administered unknowingly and that the Trainer had taken all reasonable precautions to avoid a breach of the Rule. The Committee disqualified "Fortune Seeker" from first place in both races and ordered that the records be amended to read as follows:- Ballinrobe, 22nd July the winner is now Casadei, while the killarney race on 14th July is now awarded to Cloone Stream. The case was presented to the Committee by Mr. Sean Barry, Registrar, I.N.H.S. Committee.
