The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has today confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding a confirmed adverse analytical finding in respect of the horse Petrol Head, trained by Miss Katy Brown, has now concluded.

Following his win in the Bia Energy Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown on 6 July this year, regulatory samples were taken from Petrol Head. Subsequent analysis of the hair sample at LGC Laboratory confirmed the presence of clenbuterol. Clenbuterol is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing unless the use can be traced to the clinical treatment of the Horse with an Authorised Medicine which has been properly recorded in the Medicines Register maintained by the Trainer and verified in writing by the stable’s Veterinary Surgeon.

Ahead of the Galway Festival, all trainers with entries in this year’s Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle were requested by the IHRB to submit detailed medication records for their horses in those races prior to declarations. The records provided in respect of Petrol Head contained no reference to clenbuterol. Following confirmation from LGC laboratories of the adverse analytical finding, the absence of veterinary medical records or any other evidence to explain the presence of clenbuterol in the sample led to the horse being prevented by the Directors of the IHRB from running in the Guinness Handicap Hurdle.

Miss Brown subsequently provided a copy of a prescription noting Ventipulmin®, which contains clenbuterol, indicating the administration of the product earlier in the year, when Petrol Head was reported to have been in the care of his owner.  Upon receipt of the copy prescription, the IHRB undertook further investigation to verify the prescription details and to gather information from the prescribing veterinary surgeon regarding the use of the drug, including the quantity supplied and the reason for its use.  The IHRB veterinary team then located the horse and took a tail hair sample from him for further detailed laboratory analysis. That analysis has now been completed and the results received. As a result, the IHRB has been able to satisfy itself that the presence of clenbuterol in the hair samples taken from Petrol Head is consistent with therapeutic use, as documented and verified by the veterinary surgeon.

Following the investigation and taking account of all available evidence, the IHRB will not be taking further action in respect of this adverse analytical finding. The Trainer has been reminded of her obligations under the Rules, in particular those pertaining to the recording of the administration of medication to horses in her care.