Robert Tyner (Trainer) – Prohibited Substance Referral Cork, 5th January 2019
The Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt, (in the chair), Mr. Philip Caffrey and Mr. Philip McLernon convened at the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), The Curragh, Co Kildare on 18thJune 2019 to consider whether or not Robert Tyner, Trainer, was in breach of any rules as a result of a report received from LGC Laboratories, Fordham, UK.
The report stated that the blood sample taken from Midnight Stroll (GB) following his win in the www.corkracecourse.ieHandicap Hurdle at Cork on 5th January 2019, was found to contain dexamethasone. Under Rule 20 (v) and Regulation R14 of the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules dexamethasone is a prohibited substance.
The trainer declined the option to have the B sample analysed.
Evidence was heard from Dr. Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Anti-Doping and Mr. Tyner.
In her evidence, Dr Hillyer stated that during the investigation of the post-race finding, Mr. Tyner flagged that the horse had been treated with an oral mixture containing dexamethasone which should have finished on 30th December 2018 but was then given in error the evening before the race on 4th January 2019.
The Committee also noted a report from Dr. Lynn Hillyer following an inspection of Mr. Tyner’s training establishment on 22nd January 2019 and that samples taken from all 28 horses were reported negative by the laboratory.
In his evidence, Mr. Tyner explained that Midnight Stroll (GB) had been treated with an oral mixture for a mild throat infection and that he had stopped administering it seven days prior to the race. However, a member of staff had administered the oral mixture to Midnight Stroll in error on the evening of the 4th January 2019 and Mr. Tyner accepted the presence of a prohibited substance in the sample.
Dr. Hillyer outlined the importance of a strict but easy to follow routine where prohibited substances are concerned, particularly where prescription-only veterinary medications are involved.
Having considered the evidence, the Committee were satisfied that Mr. Tyner was in breach of Rule 96(a) as there was a prohibited substance present in the sample taken from the horse. They disqualified Midnight Stroll (GB), ordered that the stake be forfeited and amended the result to read as follows:
First: Chatham Street Lad
Second: Mary Frances
Third: Allez Kal
Fourth: Pound A Stroke
Fifth: Western Honour
The Committee also imposed a €1,000 fine on Mr. Tyner under Rule 96(a) as reasonable precautions had not been taken by the Trainer to ensure a breach did not occur.
The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Licensing & Compliance.