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The Referrals Committee, Mr Peter M Allen (Chair), Mr John Murphy and Dr Paddy Molony convened in the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday, 20 November 2025 to consider whether Mr Daniel McLoughlin (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 19 June 2025, confirmed that the urine sample taken from Magny Cours following The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Listowel on 1 June 2025 was confirmed by LGC Laboratories to contain dexamethasone.
The option of ‘B’ sample analysis was requested by Mr McLoughlin and the presence of dexamethasone was confirmed by LCH Laboratories, France, on 1 August 2025.
Evidence was heard from Mr McLoughlin, Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Head of Veterinary Operations, Dr Graham Adams, IHRB Deputy Head of Veterinary Operations and Mr Paddy Woods.
In his evidence, Mr McLoughlin accepted he was in breach of a number of Rules and stated that he had cooperated fully with the investigation. Mr McLoughlin stated that he found the process very difficult and acknowledged that his administration and handling of the medicines register was not of the expected standard. Mr McLoughlin gave evidence as regards his business and how it had grown quickly beyond his own expectations. Mr McLoughlin said that at that time his only administration support was a part time secretary, and he was trying to do everything himself. He confirmed that he now employs a full-time administrator and receives additional support. Mr McLoughlin explained that when he took over the yard that all of the Horses were very sick, and he was doing all he could around the welfare of those Horses. Mr McLoughlin explained that he was consistent in his responses throughout this process and that he could not explain the adverse analytical finding, as the Horse had been nebulised under the care of a veterinary surgeon. Mr McLoughin explained that Magny Cours was last nebulised on the Thursday prior to the race and he said that he is still at a loss to explain the adverse analytical finding.
In her evidence, Dr Hillyer described how dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory which must be used under the prescription of a veterinary surgeon. Dr Hillyer outlined the process of the investigation, stating that it is still unclear as to how the sample taken from Magny Cours returned a result which was approximately four times above the International Screening Limit.
In his evidence, Dr Adams provided details of the IHRB investigation which included an unannounced inspection of Mr McLoughlin’s premises on 16 June 2025. Dr Adams explained that during the course of this inspection multiple prescription only medicines, including Dexadreson, Marbodug, Dimazon, Engemycin and Subestin were held without veterinary labels or supporting prescriptions. Dr Adams also confirmed that Mr McLoughlin had failed to maintain complete records in the Medicines Register and that he had failed to ensure that the certification of several horses’ Equine Influenza vaccinations complied with the requirements of Rule 91. Dr Adams also noted that Hurricane Hiker was declared as being under Mr McLoughlin’s care and control at the time of the inspection but wasn’t present in the yard and that a member of staff was observed exercising a horse without a body protector. Dr Adams confirmed that Mr McLoughlin could not provide a valid reason as to why the sample taken from Magny Cours was significantly above the international screening limit.
In his evidence, Mr Woods explained that he had met Mr McLoughlin for the first time at Royal Ascot this year. Mr Woods stated that he was in a position to provide some business support to the young Trainer. Mr Woods confirmed that as a young Trainer, Mr McLoughlin’s approach to his business was very positive and his management of his business is now well under control.
Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr McLoughlin was in breach of Rule 96(i) in that there was a prohibited substance in the Horse on Raceday, and they disqualified Magny Cours from the race in question, ordered the placings be altered accordingly and the stake forfeited.
The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €1,500 on Mr McLoughlin in respect of the breach of Rule 96(i). Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr McLoughlin in breach of Rule 148(i), in that the Trainer is responsible for everything connected with the welfare, training and running of all Horses under their care. The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €500 in respect of the breach of Rule 148(i). Mr McLoughlin was found in breach of Rule 148(ii) and (iii), in that the Trainer must provide all prescriptions related to prescription only medicines and is responsible for ensuring that all members of staff and any other person with access to medicines is fully conversant with the Rules and Regulations relating to Prohibited Substances, and a fine of €250 was imposed in respect of this breach. The Referrals Committee also found Mr McLoughlin in breach of Rule 148(iv), (v) and (ix), in that the Medicines Register was incomplete and for this breach imposed a fine of €500. Mr McLoughlin was fined €500 for a breach of Rule 148(vi) for failing to ensure that only appropriate prescribed medicines are used and are withdrawn at the correct time prior to racing, and a further €250 for failing to produce the Medicines Register for inspection as required by Rule 148 (vii). In respect of Rule 148(xi)(b), Mr McLoughlin was fined €250 for failing to ensure approved safety equipment was worn by his staff when riding out and a further €250 for failing to notify when a horse left his yard as required under Rule 148(xii). Mr McLoughlin was fined €250 for a breach of Rule 91 in relation to Equine Influenza vaccinations.
The amended result of The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden:
First: Luna Mia (GB)
Second: Dreamy Skies
Third: Femme Beauty
Fourth: Award Ceremony
Fifth: Closely
The case was presented by Ms Louise Troy BL, instructed by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Mr McLoughlin was represented by Mr Patrick Kennedy, Patrick J O’Meara & Company Solicitors.