JOCKEY Gearoid Brouder is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after having his licence suspended for four years by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board following a positive test for a metabolite of cocaine at Gowran Park in May.

The Co Kerry native has the option of reapplying for his licence after 12 months of the suspension, though this will be dependent “on the strict understanding that previous deficiencies in his approach to rehabilitation will not be repeated”, as well as input on the rider’s progress from IHRB senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh.

Brouder’s positive test came on the same raceday as when he was suspended for 21 days over his ride on the Charles Byrnes-trained Ellaat, whose run caught the eye of the stewards and led to connections being punished under the ‘non-triers’ rule.

It was noted in the referral hearing that Brouder had not engaged with any support services offered prior to this hearing, though a representative for the rider said he “accepted the finding and would engage with the support systems in place in an attempt to resume his career at the earliest opportunity.”

A written decision from the IHRB referrals committee said the decision to hand out a four-year suspension, which began on Friday, was “to reflect the zero tolerance approach stated by the IHRB in respect of such offences”.

’Blank canvas’

On Brouder’s potential to reapply for a licence after a year of the suspension, the written statement also noted: “We are effectively placing the matter with Dr Pugh over the next year, and it is for her to prescribe on our behalf the steps to be taken by Mr Brouder, including, but not limited to, counselling and advice from an appropriate expert.

“Dr Pugh has a blank canvas in treating Mr Brouder and helping him to avail of a final opportunity to continue on the straight and narrow. The committee will require full compliance by Mr Brouder with every aspect of Dr Pugh’s future directions should he intend to reapply for permission to hold his licence after 12 months.”

Brouder had received a 12-month suspension of his training licence last December for moving his horses to a new yard without notifying the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, with the final six months suspended.