Charles Byrnes case leaves a lasting smudge on so-called 'white labels'

Like the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, those looking for answers from the Viking Hoard case have reached something of a dead end, at least until trainer Charles Byrnes' appeal is heard.

Naturally, formal comment from the interested parties will not be forthcoming while the case is still active. The facts that have emerged, from the IHRB referrals committee's 4,300-word report and subsequent investigations by the Racing Post among others, are more than enough to ensure harsh light will again be shed on the affair as soon as that appeal has run its course.

The welfare element might be the single most shocking aspect. The opinion of those much more informed in these matters would almost suggest Viking Hoard was lucky to still be conscious as he stepped out on to the track, such were the levels of acepromazine (ACP) administered pre-race. Jockey Kevin Brouder had a lucky escape.