Ireland's anti-doping picture not as bleak as feared but firm response is needed

We're in the middle of a massive week for Irish racing at Punchestown, but the sport already had a decent result off the track last week with the publication of an independent review of the IHRB's Equine Anti-Doping Programme (EADP).

The report, conducted by Australian veterinarian Dr Craig Suann, an expert with an international reputation, provides a broad level of reassurance to the industry and to the public about a crucial aspect of the IHRB's regulatory and disciplinary function.

Anything less would have had serious consequences for the IHRB's credibility and standing, since the report was commissioned in the wake of last year's parliamentary hearings at the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. Those sessions were prompted by concerns raised originally by Jim Bolger and given extensive coverage in the media, to a level that called into question the IHRB's fitness for purpose.