The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (in the Chair), Con O’Mahony and Peter N. Reynolds met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on Monday, 4th July 2016 to consider a report from IMIM Hospitaldelmar in Barcelona, Spain, regarding the fact that a sample of urine taken from Dylan Hogan (Rider), during in-competition testing on 11th May 2016 at Naas Racecourse, Co. Kildare was found to contain Furosemide. Under the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules, Furosemide is a banned substance because it is a diuretic which acts on the kidneys and inhibits re-absorption of water and has a diuretic effect. Furosemide is prohibited in and out of competition pursuant to the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List International Standard, as adopted by the Turf Club. As Dylan Hogan did not indicate within 14 days of the date of notification of the “A” sample result whether or not he wanted the “B” sample to be tested, he was deemed to have accepted the result of the “A” sample analysis under the provisions of Rule 278 (vi)(c).

Evidence was heard from Dylan Hogan. The Committee also considered a written submission from Dr. Adrian McGoldrick Senior Turf Club Medical Officer.

In his evidence Dylan Hogan outlined the background to what occurred. He accepted he was in breach of Rule 277. He referred to other tests both before and after which were carried out on him all of which were negative.

In his submission Dr. McGoldrick said that Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It is called a loop diuretic as it works in the loop of henle in the kidney. It is a potent diuretic and leads to rapid diuresis i.e. fluid loss. It acts by inhibiting the re-absorption of sodium and chloride and increases loss of magnesium and calcium.

The onset of action after oral administration is within one hour and fluid loss continues for 6-8 hours.

In medical practice it is used for the treatment of fluid retention due to heart failure and to lower blood pressure. It is also used in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver and other conditions where rapid fluid loss is required e.g. cerebral oedema (brain swelling).

Side effects include dehydration, low blood pressure, loss of sodium and potassium leading to cramps and in more severe cases irregularity of the heart.

It is described as a masking agent for other chemicals in that by diluting the urine, other chemicals may not be detected.

Having considered the evidence the Committee confirmed the Rule breach and fined Dylan Hogan €200. They also ordered that he pay costs of €200. In addition they ordered that he liase with Dr. Adrian McGoldrick to have his minimum riding weight revised.

The case was presented by Paul Murtagh, Stewards Secretary. Dylan Hogan was represented by Andrew Coonan, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.