Amateur rider banned for 10 years for drugs offence

AMATEUR rider Shane Bargary has been suspended for a total of 10 years over positive tests for prohibited substances. From Fermoy in Co Cork, Bargary tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at Lismore point-to-point in January. He had tested positive for the same substance in 2022 and received a four-year ban but he was permited to reapply for his licence at the end of 2023. Issuing the verdict of the Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt said that Bargary’s failure to engage in monthly ‘care testing’ as agreed upon his return to race-riding, and his subsequent second positive test, called for a “significant penalty”. Bargary did not attend the hearing.

Gearoid Brouder cleared

to resume race-riding

GEAROID Brouder has been permitted by the Referrals Committee to reapply for his riding licence, having served one year of a four-year ban imposed following a positive drugs test. At the hearing both Dr Jennifer Pugh and counsellor Pat Brennan spoke positively of Brouder’s “positive engagement” and “healthier lifestyle” since the suspension began.

Death of retired Curragh groundstaff team member

TIM Behan, an important member of the team at the Curragh Racecourse for 36 years, passed away peacefully at Naas Hospital on July 13th. Paul Hensey, who knew Behan well during his time as manager at the track, described him as “a very conscientious and diligent man.” Hensey added: “Tim was a very important man behind the scenes, laying out the track for every meeting. Many of the jockeys, owners and trainers wouldn’t have been aware of him, but he built the bends raced by such greats as Shergar, The Minstrel and Galileo. He was a perfectionist in everything he did.” Behan retired in 2016.

Sudden passing of

trainer Neill McCluskey

NEILL McCluskey, who trained in Dromara, Co Down, died unexpectedly last weekend.

He trained a small string led by his stable star was I Don’t Get It, winner of three races over jumps at Down Royal, Downpatrick and Limerick in recent seasons. He also trained young event horses and show jumpers under the Carsonstown Sporthorses banner. Aged 57, he is survived by his wife Denise and daughters Lauren, Robyn and Anna.

New meeting for Tramore

TRAMORE will stage a replacement evening National Hunt meeting on Wednesday, September 18th. It replaces the flat card lost to the weather on July 9th.

‘Long road ahead’ for

injured rider Alice Procter

BRITISH amateur jockey Alice Procter has undergone spinal surgery following a serious fall at Cartmel last weekend. The 21-year-old immediately reported back pain and was flown by helicopter to the major trauma centre at Royal Preston Hospital.

The Injured Jockeys Fund issued a statement on Monday which read: “She is conscious and able to talk for short periods of time. The surgery to stabilise her thoracic spinal fracture was successful, although there are indications of some damage to the spinal cord.

“Alice will remain in hospital as plans are made for her longer term rehabilitation.

“The Procter family are very grateful for all the messages of support from across the industry. However, they recognise that this is likely to be a long journey and they kindly ask that enquires are handled by the IJF.”