The Referrals Committee, Mr Peter M Allen (Chairman) Mr John McGuire and Dr Paddy Molony convened in the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 3 October 2024 to consider whether Philip Fenton (Trainer) was in breach of any rules of racing as a result of a report received from LGC Laboratories, Newmarket, England.

The report received on 13 June 2024, confirmed that the blood sample taken from Shraheen following the Midlands National Day Friday 12 July Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan on 2 June 2024 was confirmed by LGC Laboratories to contain triamcinolone acetonide (TCA).

The option of ‘B’ sample analysis was declined by Mr Fenton.

Evidence was heard from Mr Fenton and Dr Graham Adams, Deputy Head of Veterinary Operations, Dr Lynn Hillyer IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer & Head of Anti-Doping and Mr Vincent O’Connor Veterinary Surgeon.

In his evidence, Dr Adams outlined the investigation report, and he explained that TCA is a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication commonly used in equine practice for injured or inflamed joints. Dr Adams also outlined that Mr Fenton’s Medicines Register was neither complete nor up to date as required under Rule 148. Dr Adams explained that there is no published Detection Time for TCA but there is a minimum Stand Down time of 14 days and this is so a horse can get rest and recuperation time for the injury to heal. Dr Adams further explained how TCA is locally administered to joints and that a withdrawal time can be variable depending on the differences in the pathology within the joints and the precise route by which it is administered.

In his evidence, Mr Fenton stated he has had over 600 runners over the last eight years with no such issues. Mr Fenton explained that this horse in particular is a very good mover, and when the rider noticed an issue in his movement, he subsequently called the vet. Mr Fenton explained that his vet advised him to treat the animal with TCA and recommended a withdrawal period of 14-22 days. Mr Fenton stated he gave the animal a withdrawal period of 24 days. Mr Fenton confirmed that he was aware of elective testing.

In his evidence, Mr O’Connor offered his opinion on the use of TCA in practice. He agreed with Dr Adams that the stifle was a complex joint and that administration of TCA to it was challenging in terms of the accuracy with which placement of the medication in the joint can be achieved.

Dr Lynn Hillyer gave evidence in relation to the International Screening Limit in place for TCA. Dr Hillyer outlined the advice given on the use of TCA and the rationale for its regulatory control. Dr Hillyer added that in common with other international regulators, the IHRB’s approach is based on measures to allow horses to receive medication as needed in training but not to race under the effects of medication.

Mr Allen delivered the following decision on behalf of the Referrals Committee:

“In relation to the matter put before us, it is our view that if elective testing had been carried out it would have been of great benefit in this case and in any other case and we would strongly recommend that it should be considered by all trainers in the future when appropriate. Mr Fenton did accept that there was a breach of Rule 96(i) and we do find Mr Fenton in breach of that. In relation to that, the horse is now disqualified from the race, the stake is forfeited, and the placings are to be altered accordingly. In relation to that breach of Rule 96(i), we fine Mr Fenton the sum of €1,250. In relation to the Medicines Register, we also find Mr Fenton in breach of Rule 148(iv) and (ix) in that he failed to keep proper and accurate records of the medicines administered to his horses as is required. We found that there were significant breaches over a long period of certain items which should have been included in the Medicines Register and there are a number of blanks in columns that should have been filled. In this regard we fine Mr Fenton the sum of €1,250 in relation to that breach.”

The Amended result of the Midlands National Day Friday 12 July Handicap Hurdle now reads:

First:              Riyami

Second:       Spick And Span

Third:            Morepowertoya (FR)

Fourth:         Mr Sundancer

Fifth:              Inthenickoftime

Sixth:             Know The Game

The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Mr Fenton was represented by Mr Patrick Kennedy of Patrick J. O’Meara Solicitors, Thurles, County Tipperary.