Racing representatives to respond to doping claims in live hearing on Thursday

Representatives from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and Horse Racing Ireland will respond to allegations of drug cheats existing in Irish racing before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday morning, with the meeting set to be streamed live to the public.

IHRB chief executive Denis Egan, who announced last week that he will take early retirement but said his decision had nothing to do with the ongoing controversy surrounding Irish racing, will appear alongside the regulator's chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping Dr Lynn Hillyer.

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh: expected to answer questions at Thursday's Oireachtas Agriculture Committee meetingCredit: Conor Healy Photography

Outgoing HRI boss Brian Kavanagh is also expected to attend the meeting, which was scheduled after comments made by Jim Bolger suggesting "there will be a Lance Armstrong in Irish racing". Bolger last week revealed that he will not be taking up his invitation to substantiate his statements, citing legal advice.

Those wishing to view proceedings can do so by logging on to the Oireachtas TV website or app and selecting the stream of committee room 2, which will show the hearing live from 9.30am, rather than the main Oireachtas TV channel, which will be broadcasting matters involving the Dail.

The joint committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which has 14 members – nine from the Dail and five from the Seanad – will hold three separate hearings over the coming weeks relating to the issue, with Thursday's meeting scheduled for two hours.

Representatives from the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, of which Bolger is no longer a member, will appear on Tuesday, July 13 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm before those from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine attend immediately after until 5.30pm.

Study the form and watch unlimited full video race replays from all 86 British and Irish racecourses. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a race again!