IHRB to ramp up volume of tests on jockeys in bid to tackle cocaine problems

Drug testing of jockeys at Irish meetings will increase significantly in the coming months as the authorities bid to kick cocaine abuse out of racing.

That was the message from Dr Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board chief medical officer after the last 13 positive tests in Ireland have all been for cocaine.

Pugh is eager to clamp down on a problem that has cast a dark cloud over Irish racing in recent years.

A maximum of ten riders are currently tested when the IHRB drug-testing procedures are in place at a meeting, but Pugh wants that number to increase significantly while also suggesting that more midweek meetings could be targeted.

Pugh said: "There needs to be a greater deterrent and, if we increase the number of tests when we visit a racecourse, it could act as a deterrent.

"My role is to try and pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a positive test result and, believe me, it is an absolute nightmare for those who are caught."

The IHRB carried out 254 drug tests in 2018, covering 31 race meetings, with five positive samples. All of those were for cocaine.

Pugh said: "We already do a lot of testing in comparison to other sports, but I feel there is a need to shake things up a bit. As well as increasing the number of tests we carry out there will also be a greater focus on higher risk days.

"That way, if the temptation is there for jockeys to take drugs at the weekend, they will know they will be caught as cocaine stays in the systems for four days. We need to have more tests and it needs to be more unpredictable.

"There is a culture of partying and binge drinking in racing and we need to try and shift that culture.

"Drinking affects the ability to make the right decisions. If jockeys are not out on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night it will decrease the temptation to take drugs."

Pugh urged any jockeys with issues to seek help immediately.

"I'm on the nurturing side and I want to help our jockeys manage their weight, stress, anxiety and any mental issues they may have without having to resort to drugs. Education and support is there for our jockeys," she said.

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