BHA reveals Viking Hoard tested negative at Sedgefield 16 days before Tramore

Viking Hoard tested negative for prohibited substances when beaten at Sedgefield 16 days before running at Tramore having drifted heavily in the betting and been the subject of a substantial lay bet.

The IHRB committee had been ambiguous during a referral hearing into Viking Hoard as to whether he was tested at Sedgefield, having stated: "It was suggested during the hearing that samples were taken on that occasion, which showed nothing untoward."

Approached for clarification on Tuesday, the BHA said it was unable to comment on the matter, or whether betting patterns around the race had been investigated, with trainer Charles Byrnes planning to appeal against his six-month ban and €1,000 fine.