Gearoid Brouder© Photo Healy Racing
Gearoid Brouder has been handed a four year ban by the IHRB after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine at Gowran Park on May 10th.
The Co Kerry native, who rode at Kilbeggan on Friday, could have the final three years of his ban suspended subject to conditions.
Significantly, on the day of his failed test, Brouder caught the attention of the stewards for his ride on the Charles Byrnes-trained Ellaat, who finished a never nearer fourth under tender handling.
After a running and riding enquiry, the stewards came to the conclusion that; 'both trainer and rider were in breach of Rule 212A(i) in that both were involved in the running and/or riding of a horse in a race, who deliberately or recklessly causes or permitted a horse to run other than on its merits.'
Ellaat was subsequently banned for 90-days, with Byrnes fined E6,000.
Brouder was suspended for 21-days for that offence, with his new suspension coming into effect on Friday.
Twice successful in the training ranks, Brouder had that licence revoked in December, after it was discovered he had moved his training operation to an unlicensed premises without notifying officials.
