IHRB to hold anti-doping Seminars for Riders The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is to hold two seminars for riders about drug testing and the implications of a positive test. The two seminars will be held 7pm in the evening at Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge Co. Kildare on Tuesday 5th March and Horse And Jockey Hotel Co. Tipperary on Wednesday 20th March Attendance at one of the seminars, is mandatory for Apprentice Riders and Claiming/Conditional Riders. Qualified Riders and Professional Riders are strongly encouraged to attend but their attendance is not mandatory. Commenting on the holding of the seminars, IHRB Chief Executive, Denis Egan, said that “in view of the number of positive test results which are increasing year on year, the IHRB is holding seminars to educate riders as it appears that many of them are not familiar with the rules and the implications of what will happen if they return a positive test. Under the new penalty structure, a positive test may in effect end a rider’s career”. Denis Egan also said that “testing of riders for banned substances is being introduced at Point-to-Points in the next few weeks and this will mean that many riders who do not regularly ride on the racecourse, are likely to be tested so it is important that Qualified Riders attend one of the seminars.” The seminars will explain the testing process, the history of testing in Ireland, the disciplinary process and the implications of a positive test plus the various supports available for those suffering from addiction. There were five positive tests for cocaine in 2018 which is the highest number since testing for drugs began.
