Turf Club defends absence of tests for cobalt and milkshakes

Irish racing's failure to test for excessive levels of cobalt and TCO2 – more commonly known as milkshaking – which has been heavily criticised by leading trainer Jim Bolger, is going to be tackled as a priority, according to the Turf Club's head of anti-doping, Dr Lynn Hillyer.

However, Hillyer was reluctant to put a timescale on when the Turf Club will be in a position to begin testing for two substances recognised as having performance-enhancing qualities that are tested for in other major racing nations.

Hillyer has stressed that the regulator is formulating a plan to accurately communicate information on thresholds before implementing testing procedures.