Share to
The Referrals Committee, Mr Justice Frank Clarke (Chair), Ms Meta Osborne and Mr Michael Sheahan convened in the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 to consider whether Mr Michael Flannery (Trainer) was in breach of the Rules of Racing as a result of a report received from LGC Laboratories, Fordham, UK.
The report received on 20 November 2024, confirmed that the urine sample taken from Bowgate Street following the Callan Tansey (Mares) Handicap Hurdle at Sligo on 25 October 2024 was confirmed by LGC Laboratories to contain meloxicam and diclofenac.
The option of ‘B’ sample analysis was requested by Mr Flannery. The presence of meloxicam and diclofenac was confirmed by LCH Laboratories, France, on 9 January 2025.
Evidence was heard from Mr Flannery, Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer and Dr Lesley Ferguson, IHRB Deputy Head of Veterinary Policy. Written character references were received from Mr John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager, Mr Paul Cummins, Veterinarian and Mr Caoimhín Galvin, Veterinarian.
In her evidence, Dr Ferguson provided details of the IHRB investigation which included an unannounced inspection of Mr Flannery’s premises on 8 November 2024. Dr Ferguson explained how diclofenac and meloxicam are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and painkillers which work in a similar way which were not accounted for within the Medicines Register for Bowgate Street. Dr Ferguson also described that Mr Flannery confirmed he had administered Spasmium, a medication used for the treatment of colic requiring prescription and administration by a veterinarian, intravenously and it was available for him to administer overnight. Dr Ferguson added that medication requiring prescription was also administered to a number of horses that was not recorded in the Medicines Register.
In her evidence, Dr Hillyer explained that the International Screening Limits were disapplied by the IHRB in this case in common with international practice when two related prohibited substances are reported in a Sample. This is because the two substances together have stronger effect particularly when there is a combination of a topical medication such as Voltarol with other treatment given systemically. Dr Hillyer stated the explanations offered by Mr Flannery were implausible based on the estimated concentrations in the Sample and science.
In his evidence, Mr Flannery accepted that he was in breach of the Rules. Mr Flannery outlined how he had previously worked on a stud farm abroad and had carried out his own veterinary work as part of this role and admitted he was not aware that he could not administer intravenous medication but accepted that he should have veterinary oversight. Mr Flannery stated that he was dumbfounded when he was informed of the Adverse Analytical Finding, which he could not account for. He provided a number of potential explanations based on the theory that there may have been cross contamination including that he was using Voltarol for back pain at the time and it possibly transferred from his hands to Bowgate Street’s tongue tie. He also said that he added Rheumocam (containing meloxicam) to the feed trough of another horse as treatment and it is possible that this was not fully cleaned when Bowgate Street was placed in that stable and Bowgate Street consumed. Mr Flannery accepted the finding and confirmed that he would take greater care regarding his use of medicines in future and completion of the Medicines Register. Mr Flannery also accepted that he is the sole person responsible for the welfare of the horses in his care under the Rules.
Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr Flannery was in breach of Rule 96(i) in that there was a prohibited substance in the Horse on Raceday, and they disqualified Bowgate Street from the race, ordered the placings to be altered accordingly and the stake be forfeited. The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €2,500 on Mr Flannery in respect of the breach of Rule 96(i). Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr Flannery in breach of Rule 148(i) in that there was significant carelessness on the part of the Trainer and that he had not provide a satisfactory explanation for the finding as required by the rule and imposed a fine of €750 in this regard. The Referrals Committee also found Mr Flannery in breach of Rule 148(iv) for failure to complete the Medicines Register and imposed a fine of €250 in this regard. A fine of €250 was also imposed for the breach of Rule 148(vii) for possession or administration of veterinary prescription only medicines.
The amended result of the Callan Tansey (Mares) Handicap Hurdle:
First: Queenofthelodge
Second: Bayou Belle
Third: Fair Damsel
Fourth: Whatyouwant
Fifth: Chatterbox
Sixth: Dancing After Dark
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Mr Flannery was represented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Company Solicitors.