New powers mean IHRB can now drug test any thoroughbred at any time

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board now has access to any thoroughbred at any time after warrant cards were issued to 11 of their officers to carry out drug-testing procedures on licensed and unlicensed premises.

The warrant cards, which in a Memorandum of Understanding between the IHRB and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine allow additional authority to act in certain circumstances for the purposes of the Animal Remedies Act 1993, were certified by the DAFM minister, Charlie McConalogue.

This now means the 11 officers who have undergone training can inspect unlicensed premises such as studs and pre-training establishments as well as licensed premises like the stable yards of trainers.