A RECENT Ballinrobe bumper winner is unofficially reported to have tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

According to The Sunday Times, the David Dunne-trained Druim Samhraidh tested positive for the steroid boldenone after winning on August 12th.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has declined to comment and the Garristown, Co Meath, trainer was uncontactable this week. It’s thought the investigation is at an early stage and both parties do not know how details were leaked to the media.

Also this week a point-to-point winner was disqualified after testing positive for MDMA, the drug commonly known as Ecstasy when taken in tablet form. The mare Get The Appeal, trained in Bunclody, Co Wexford by Cormac Farrell, tested positive for the substance after winning a point-to-point at Monksgrange on March 31st.

On Tuesday, the Referrals Committee heard evidence from Farrell, his assistant trainer Mark Farrell and veterinary surgeon Hugh Dillon. The trainer said he was shocked at the finding as he has no history of being associated with any such substance, either socially or professionally. Dillon stated his belief that Get The Appeal could have been inadvertently exposed to the substance through human contact.

The Committee amended the result of the race and imposed a €1,500 fine on Farrell. Get The Appeal has since moved to Paul Nicholls and is now owned by Middleham Park Racing.

Appeal lost

Also this week, trainer John Ryan from Templemore, Co Tipperary failed in his appeal against the stewards’ decision to disqualify Kilcarry View after she was first past the post at Sligo on August 8th. The six-year-old mare was disqualified after her rider Liam Quinlan weighed in 1.2lbs light.

Jockeys Brien Kane and Eamonn Corbett have received six-day suspensions from the Referrals Committee, having fallen foul of the new whip regulations for a fourth time since April.