Kildare Doping Investigation Concludes, Case File Sent to DPP

An equine doping investigation, which began after a raid near Monasterevin in Co Kildare in November of 2021, has now concluded, RTE Sport reported on Tuesday.

Products that were not licenced for equine dispensation in Ireland were found at the site of the raid among other items. A statement issued the day after the raid described the operation of searches and seizure of products “as part of an ongoing investigation into equine doping”.

A case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after a period of intelligence sharing with both international and Irish agencies. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The DPP has yet to rule on whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings.

“Regarding enforcement actions arising the specific operation highlighted, the department's investigation is now concluded, and a case file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions,” a DAFM statement issued in response to queries about the status of the investigation read in part.

Hair and blood samples were taken from racehorses at the yard before they were allowed to leave the premises by Irish Horse Racing Board chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping Dr. Lynn Hillyer. All the samples tested negative for prohibited-at-all-times substances.

The statement continued: “With regard to the query on wider equine doping activities, while the department, for operational reasons, does not comment on ongoing investigations or provide details of investigating officers, a central function of the department is to strategically support agencies and other relevant bodies to investigate non-compliances, or incidents across the agri-food industry.

“In this context, the department works closely with other national agencies/bodies, including An Garda Siochána and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, in the investigation of equine related alleged offences. The department also engages with other international enforcement authorities, as necessary, in this regard including the sharing/receiving of intelligence.”