Trainer Charles Byrnes has had his licence suspended for six months by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board after one of his horses tested positive for a banned substance.
The Byrnes-trained Viking Hoard was pulled up at Tramore on October 18, 2018, after which a urine sample was found to contain hydroxyethylpromazinehydroxide (HEPS), a metabolite of acepromazine (ACP), which is a sedative.
ACP is a prohibited drug under the rules of racing – and following Byrnes’ request to test a B sample, the finding was confirmed.
Evidence was heard from various officials and Byrnes himself, who “taking into account the gravity of what occurred” was fined 1,000 euros alongside his six-month ban.
However, the IHRB added it had “been advised that the trainer will be lodging an appeal against this decision”.
An IHRB statement said: "The report stated that the urine sample taken from Viking Hoard, following his pulling up in the Tramore Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Hurdle at Tramore on 18 th October 2018, was found to contain hydroxyethylpromazinehydroxide (HEPS), a metabolite of acepromazine (ACP). Under Rule 20(v) and Regulation R14 of the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules ACP is a prohibited substance.
"The trainer requested to have the ‘B’ sample analysed which was carried out by LCH Laboratories in France and the adverse analytical finding for HEPS confirmed."
It added: "Due the complexity and seriousness of this particular case the Committee decided that a written judgement was required which is attached to this press release.
"Having considered the evidence, the Committee were satisfied that Mr. Byrnes, was in breach of Rule 96(a) as a prohibited substance was present in the sample taken from Viking Hoard at Tramore. They disqualified Viking Hoard, ordered that the stake be forfeited and noted that no amendments were required to the Judge’s placings as the horse had pulled up.
"Taking into account the gravity of what occurred, the Committee ordered that Mr. Byrnes’ licence be withdrawn for a period of 6 months and imposed a €1,000 fine on Mr. Byrnes. The reasoning for the sanction is contained in the decision."
