This remains an evolving situation and we are working alongside our contracted analytical laboratory, LGC, the British Horseracing Authority and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities on this matter.

We will continue to update the industry as more information becomes available.

Elective testing

As heretofore, Elective Testing for zilpaterol and other substances is available to Irish trainers

The Elective Testing will be undertaken by LGC, and these samples will be processed and prioritised.

We anticipate that the sample analysis may take up to 3 working days to complete, though every effort will be made, within reason and depending on the volume of tests, to return results as quickly as possible.

For more information about the Elective Testing process, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Elective Testing is done at the trainer’s expense and will cost approximately €150 + VAT for each sample submitted.

IHRB rules and sanctions

Zilpaterol is a Prohibited at all Times Substance under the IHRB Rules of Racing.

The Elective Testing process is not carried out under regulatory chain of custody and gives an indicative (screening) result only therefore will not be used for IHRB regulatory purposes.

Any horse that returns a positive result for zilpaterol following these Elective Tests ONLY will not be subject to any further sanction under the IHRB Rules of Racing.