The Referrals Committee, Mr. Justice Tony Hunt (in the chair), Mr. Anthony Byrne and Mr. Finbar Cahill convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co Kildare on 5th March 2020 to consider whether or not Denis Hogan (Trainer) was in breach of any rules as a result of an analytical report received from LGC Laboratories, Fordham, UK.
The report stated that the urine sample taken from Ozzie’s Way following his win in The John Rochford Memorial Beginners Steeplechase at Ballinrobe on 27th August 2019 contained an adverse analytical finding for dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide. Under Rule 20 (v) and Regulation R14 of the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules, dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide are prohibited substances.
Evidence was heard from Dr. Lynn Hillyer (Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Anti-Doping) based on the Investigation Report and Mr. Hogan.
In her evidence, Dr. Hillyer summarised the investigation into the adverse analytical finding. She confirmed that dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide are prohibited substances under Regulation 14 of the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules. She explained that due to the locations of administration and combination of medications used the withdrawal time recommended was insufficient.
Mr. Hogan stated that the horse had been treated by his Veterinary Surgeon and he had confirmed the withdrawal time prior to entering the horse to run. He also noted that he had exceeded the withdrawal time by a number of days recommended by his Veterinary Surgeon by a number of days.
Having considered the evidence, the Committee were satisfied that there had been a breach of Rule 96(a).
As a result of the breach, they disqualified Ozzie’s Way from The John Rochford Memorial Beginners Steeplechase at Ballinrobe on 27th August 2019 and ordered that the stake be forfeited.
The amended result of the race at Cork is as follows:
First: Askann
Second: Aherlow
Third: Aasleagh Dawn
Fourth: Madaboy Cross
Fifth: Generator City
In considering penalty the Committee noted that the Trainer had provided full cooperation to the investigation and the Committee imposed a fine of €1,000 however waived it under the provisions of Rule 96(a) as they were satisfied that the Trainer had taken all reasonable precautions to avoid a breach of the rule.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.