Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The horse racing industry in Ireland is respected both nationally and internationally. Our racing and breeding activity is among the most prominent and respected in the world. The core breeding and racing industry in Ireland is estimated to generate a staggering €1 billion in gross expenditure. This figure, in turn, provides an input of €914 million to our economy. In recent years, Ireland has been second only to the US as the biggest seller, by value, of bloodstock at public auctions. We bred more than 20% of the top 100 flat horses in the world. The industry directly supports up to 10,000 jobs while indirectly supporting many thousands more in areas such as equine science and veterinary services along with farriers, transporters, stable staff, those who work in on-course and off-course betting, those who maintain and service our racetracks and others providing a multitude of services. The economy cannot withstand the loss or reduction of such revenue. Now more than ever, we need to promote our assets and attractions on the world stage. Horse racing in Ireland is a key attraction for tourists. Our reputation in the industry means that race meetings held in Ireland are popular with both Irish and overseas visitors. They, in turn, generate revenue for our hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants and local businesses. The contribution made by horse racing to the economy, tourism and the image of Ireland can never be underestimated.

In recent months, the industry was affected by a smear campaign that cut to the very heart of horse racing. Fabricated allegations of doping ran rampant among the horse racing fraternity. Poisonous darts were thrown at the industry with the clear intention of causing as much mayhem and damage as possible. The fallout was felt by everyone involved in the industry. It placed everyone in the spotlight. People felt fingers pointing at them. No one was named so no one was said to be guilty. Because no one was named, everyone was seen to be guilty. This had a devastating impact on the men and women working at all levels in the industry. Even the most seasoned and well-known names spoke out publicly about the crushing effect of these rumours. Everyone felt the long finger of suspicion pointing in their direction. Everyone felt guilty until proven innocent. It caused anguish and animosity.

On 8 July this year, the IHRB's disciplinary committee, having carried out extensive investigations, reported that it had taken 2,500 samples, of which 72% were taken on racecourses and at point-to-point meetings. The remaining 28% were taken as part of an-out-of-competition testing programme. The IHRB stated the vast majority of results were negative. In fact, of the 2,500 test samples taken this year, ten adverse analytical findings were confirmed. Not one of these involved Horse Racing Ireland.

Damage has been done to the industry in recent months. I have no tolerance for rumour and innuendo. Facts speak, but rumours cause destruction. Suggestions leave a trail of damage that can destroy innocent people. The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine supports the testing system now in place, and I support that stance. I also support its call for a review of the system to ensure Ireland’s procedures match international best practice. Equally, I agree with the committee’s recommendation that the Department consider developing testing capacity in Ireland that builds national expertise in testing. It is a welcome move by the HRI to provide funding to the IHRB for the installation of CCTV in stable yards at Irish racecourses. Such measures form part of the agreement between those bodies to maintain the integrity of horse racing.

The provision of funding for this endeavour is crucial in protecting the industry and it cannot be delayed. No one is foolish enough to think high-value sports are not open to misconduct. However, if an individual has reason to suspect, or has definitive knowledge, that rules are being broken, he or she is obliged to make such information known to the proper authorities. Chinese whispers are not the way to deal with any situation. Casting aspersions through the media is not a responsible way to deal with a matter that has the potential to cause widespread damage. This form of commentary threatens the horse racing industry and threatens the reputations of sports governing bodies. All sports are open to malpractice. Vigilance is required at all times to ensure the field of competitive sports remains level. Those who choose to withhold factual evidence are as guilty as those who break the rules, and they too must be held accountable. The integrity of the sport of horse racing must be protected.

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