Galway jockeys hit with 21-day bans for failing alcohol test Jockeys Leigh Roche and Eoin Staples have both been suspended for 21 days, and fined €1,000, after testing positive for alcohol ahead of their intended rides at the Galway festival. The matter was passed on to the Referrals Committee after both riders tested above the legal limit for driving on August 2nd. The following are the IHRB reports of both cases:- The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chair), Mr Nick Wachman and Mr Michael Sheahan convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 to consider whether Mr Leigh Roche (Rider) was in breach of any rules of racing as a result of a report received from the Doping Control Officer ahead of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap at Galway on 2 August 2026. On the day, the Doping Control Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Mr Roche had tested positive for alcohol following a pre-race test. Mr Roche returned an Alcolmeter reading of 79 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the permitted level of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Mr Roche accepted the positive test and having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood Mr Roche down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee. Evidence was heard from Mr Roche and Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer. In her evidence, Dr Pugh explained the importance of the IHRB anti-doping programme and the role alcohol breath testing plays in the safety of the sport and confirmed the seriousness of such a breach. Dr Pugh confirmed that Mr Roche had fully engaged with her following the positive test. Dr Pugh also stated that in her opinion Mr Roche was embarrassed and remorseful and she commended Mr Roche on his approach to the matter. In his evidence, Mr Roche accepted he was in breach of Rule 272(iii) and apologised for his actions. Mr Roche expressed regret for his conduct and the impact it had on both his family and his reputation. Mr Roche stated that he had reflected on the matter and would ensure that there was no recurrence. Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee found Mr Roche in breach of Rule 272(i) in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the good reputation of Irish Horseracing and imposed a fine of €1,000 in this regard. Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr Roche in breach of Rule 277(iii) and while acknowledging the straightforward and forthright way in which Mr Roche approached the case they suspended him for 21 racedays due to the seriousness of the breach. The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Suspension Dates: 8, 9, 10, 12, 13,15,17,18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 September 1, 2, 4 and 5 October ------------- The Referrals Committee, Mr Laurence McFerran (Chair), Mr Nick Wachman and Mr Michael Sheahan convened in the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 to consider whether Mr Eoin Staples (Rider) was in breach of any rules of racing as a result of a report received from the Doping Control Officer ahead of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Galway on 2 August 2026. On the day, the Doping Control Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Mr Staples had tested positive for alcohol following a pre-race test. Mr Staples returned an Alcolmeter reading of 59 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the permitted level of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Mr Staples accepted the positive test and having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards stood Mr Staples down for the day and referred the matter to the Referrals Committee. Evidence was heard from Mr Staples and Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer. Submissions were also made on behalf of the rider by Mr Gavin Cromwell, Trainer. In her evidence, Dr Pugh described the importance of the IHRB anti-doping programme and the role it plays in the safety of the sport and confirmed the seriousness of the breach. Dr Pugh also outlined her engagement with Mr Staples following the positive test. Dr Pugh stated that Mr Staples engaged with her fully and in her opinion he was remorseful and embarrassed by the incident which arose due to an error of judgement. In his evidence, Mr Staples accepted he was in breach of Rule 277(iii) and stated that the incident was incredibly embarrassing for him and his family and wished he could have the time back again. Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee found Mr Staples in breach of Rule 272(i) in that he had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the good reputation of Irish Horseracing and imposed a fine of €1,000 in this regard. Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr Staples in breach of Rule 277 (iii) in that he returned an Alcolmeter reading exceeding the published permitted level and while recognising the manner in which Mr Staples had met his case they suspended him for 21 racedays due to the seriousness of the breach. The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Suspension Dates: 11, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30 September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 October
