Top trainer Aidan O’Brien believes claims of doping in horse racing are "very damaging and unnecessary."
The perennial champion, who leads one of the world’s most powerful stables at Ballydoyle in Ireland, has backed the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
There is speculation the regulatory body will be recommended for an overhaul following a report to the government, which is awaited by the sport's leaders.
It comes in the aftermath of Oireachtas Agriculture Committee hearings held this summer, responding to trainer Jim Bolger's claims that drug cheats are Irish racing’s number one problem.
Bolger did not take up an invitation to give evidence for their duration and has not named who he alleges is at fault.
O'Brien, who worked for his fellow trainer for three years from the age of 18, strongly criticised the situation in an interview with the Racing Post.
“It has all been very damaging and unnecessary," he said.
"The saying goes that loose lips sink ships and we’ve all seen in life how rumours can damage people even if they are completely unfounded.
“People’s lives can be destroyed once things are put out there. That could happen in racing.
“People shouldn’t be talking out the side of their mouths. My thing would always be that nothing is ever hidden, but you can’t be listening to pub talk.”
Bolger said he doesn’t have faith in the IHRB, however O'Brien, who has trained 16 Group 1 winners this year, voiced his support for their anti-doping checks.
“We had them in here last week with the Department of Agriculture and all the horses were sampled, hair and all, and that’s the way it should be. They are doing their best and like every other jurisdiction they are doing their best,” O’Brien said.
He added: “The IHRB should keep checking and testing, because there will always be people who take chances, but the authorities have a responsibility to everyone to do the right thing and not be afraid to do it.
“As I say, people talking out the side of their mouths, and the way they are entertained then by those who don’t have the facts, that all has to stop. There are a lot of people who rely on Irish racing to make a living - it shouldn’t be dragged through the mud.
“For everyone who breeds a horse, trains a horse, rides a horse, or sells a horse, it has to stop. People can’t be tearing apart the sport with no facts. At the end of the day reputation in every part of life is vital - it’s all any of us have.”
