Sixmilebridge disqualified from Grade 2 novice hurdle and trainer Fergal O'Brien cautioned after positive test for banned substance

Sixmilebridge, winner of a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham in January, has been disqualified from the race and trainer Fergal O'Brien cautioned after the six-year-old tested positive for a banned raceday substance.

Owned by Andrew and Jane Megson, Sixmilebridge finished eight and a half lengths ahead of Potters Charm in the 2m4½f contest on January 26 but subsequently tested positive for the corticosteroid dexamethasone.

It was determined Sixmilebridge had received the drug via an intra-articular injection into his sacroiliac joints at the base of his spine 22 days before he ran, with the recommended withdrawal time being 21 days.

O’Brien told the BHA that “maybe we have sailed a bit close to the wind” with respect to when the injection was given in relation to the race, but the regulator accepted it would have been reasonable for him and his vet to have expected the drug to have been entirely excreted before the race.

Adjudicating disciplinary panel member Philippa Charles added the breach was O’Brien’s first and that he had the “full support of the horse’s owners”. 

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