The `morphine` issue has again dominated the news during the past week, with eight winners virtually certain to be disqualified when results of a second test sent to France are known, writes Alan Magee.
The Turf Club has come under pressure from a number of concerned groups within the industry, notably owners and trainers, as it sticks rigidly to its `zero tolerance` policy in relation to banned substances. The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners appealed for the Turf Club to use their over-riding power under Rule 22.1, in which they can modify or suspend any rule, in this unusual case.
The traces of morphine found have been extremely minute, with contaminated feed the likely source of the problem, and there appears to be agreement on both sides that no element of skullduggery is involved. Willie Mullins, Eric McNamara and Tony Martin are among the trainers who stand to lose out.
Senior steward Ray Rooney addressed the issue at the annual Moyglare Stud Dinner on Saturday evening saying, `Morphine is a prohibited substance and the rules both in Ireland and Britain provide for automatic disqualification.`
He added, `A number of drugs including morphine are being examined by the European Horse Racing Scientific Liaison Committee to determine whether acceptable threshold levels can be introduced. However if the committee find that any of the drugs contribute to the improvement of a horse`s performance, thresholds will not be introduced.`
Most impartial onlookers would like some form of compromise between the integrity of racing and common sense, but it seems the authorities are not for moving on this issue.
Limestone Lad continues to dominate the staying hurdle brigade this season, and the Bowe family had a real day to remember at Navan on Sunday when not only did their pride and joy notch career win number 34, but they enjoyed a big race double as Solerina impressively landing the featured Barry and Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle. Exciting times for the Gathabawn permit holders, although Pizarro (mucus in his throat post-race) failed to sparkle in the main event.
Two months is a long time in racing, and Timmy Murphy has certainly put a prison term firmly in the past by grafting his way back to the premier league among the current crop of jockeys. He landed the Tommy Whittle Chase aboard the Frances Crowley-trained Sackville at Haydock on Saturday, and continued a profitable weekend at Cork when partnering both Grade 3 winners on the card.
Beef Or Salmon looks one to follow this term after overcoming an inadequate two mile trip for a stylish win in the Hilly Way Chase, while Murphy was seen at his strongest when getting Satco Express home in the three mile novice hurdle.
Barry Geraghty and Paul Carberry virtually monopolised the winners enclosure at Fairyhouse on Saturday and again at Navan on Sunday. Geraghty recorded a treble at both fixtures, while Carberry`s tally of five victories included the two wins for the Bowe`s at Navan.
Talk of a recession in the country has obviously not reached those in charge of the purse strings of Irish racing. Prize-money for 2003 will be a record 49 million euro, up well over three million on the sum handed out this year. Indeed it is a sobering thought for those struggling to cover the cost of Christmas presents that prize-money at the two Sunday meetings (Navan & Cork) was in excess of 350,000 euro.
Incidentally, a good tip for filling the stocking this Yuletide is the recently released Irish Racing Yearbook 2003. This 156 page publication fills the gap left by the defunct Irish Racing Annual, and features articles by Eamon Dunphy, David Walsh, Paul Haigh and Tony O`Hehir. It provides a comprehensive review of the racing year with a look ahead to the upcoming action, and is available in all leading newsagents and bookshops priced 12.50 euro (8 sterling).
Alan Magee
