Drug and Alcohol Testing
Drug and alcohol testing of Jockeys is carried out by a team of testers who are contracted by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to provide the service. Testing can occur on any racecourse on any day and without advance notice.
The purpose of testing in jockeys is firstly to identify any product that is performance impairing (for example alcohol, cocaine and cannabis), thereby ensuring a safe environment for competition. Any impairment of performance could pose a risk to the safety of the Jockey and their horse, along with that of other Jockeys and horses whom they are competing against.
The second aim of the Anti-doping programme is to identify any performance enhancing drugs or method, thus ensuring our sport is fair.
Anti-Doping Testing
Drug testing days involve collection of urine from a pre-determined list of selected Jockeys. The selection process can include up to 10 Jockeys on any given day with mass testing days also included, whereby every Jockey competing that day is tested.
Jockey may be selected on a random basis, intelligence led, or if they are on an enhanced testing regimen if they have been previously sanctioned.
The urine is tested for banned substances and methods listed in the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List.
Alcohol Testing
On Alcohol testing days, all Jockeys riding at that particular meeting will be tested with a breathalyser. Any Jockey failing the test will be stood down from riding for the day and the Jockey may be referred to the Referrals Committee for consideration of further disciplinary action.
See Rulebook for applicable rules
See WADA for list of prohibited substances
Medication use
At first time application and upon annual renewal of their license, a Jockey will be asked to declare any medications they are using. Whereby a substance is on the WADA prohibited list, but being legitimately prescribed for a medical condition, a Therapeutic Use Exemption may be granted.
Please contact the Chief Medical Officer to discuss if this is applicable.
It is the responsibility of each individual Jockey to be aware if medication prescribed or otherwise is permitted under the WADA rules.
See https://medcheck.sportireland.ie/ to check the status of your medication in Ireland
See https://www.globaldro.com/Home if riding abroad for information on prohibited medication in other countries.
France: Please note there are significant differences in France, and you are advised to check this with France Galop or seek advice from the Chief Medical Officer if you are planning to ride in France.
