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The Referrals Committee, Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chair), Mr Anthony Byrne and Mr John Murphy convened in the Offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 to consider whether Mr S P Queally (the Rider) was in breach of any rules of racing as a result of a report received from Laboratori Antidopatge de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
The report, received on 2 April 2025, confirmed that the urine sample taken from the Rider during in-competition testing at North Kilkenny (F) Ballyragget Point to Point on 16 March 2025 was found to contain benzoylecgonine (metabolite of cocaine). Under the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules, benzoylecgonine is a banned substance as it is a stimulant prohibited in and out of competition pursuant to the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List Standard as adopted by the IHRB.
The Rider accepted the result of the ‘A’ sample.
Evidence was heard from Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer. Submissions were made on behalf of the Rider by Mr Pat Brennan (Counsellor) and written submissions were received from Mr John Kiely (Trainer), Mr Anthony Murphy (Owner) and Mrs M Queally.
In her evidence, Dr Pugh explained her engagement with the Rider following confirmation of the positive sample. Dr Pugh stated that the Rider engaged fully with her at all times and that in her opinion this was a regrettable isolated incident on a social occasion. Dr Pugh confirmed this was also the independent view of Pat Brennan. Dr Pugh added that the Rider voluntarily stood himself down pending the outcome of this hearing and declined a number of opportunities during the summer months.
In his evidence, the Rider sincerely apologised for what had happened, he described it as an error of judgement. He felt he let himself, his family and his employers down, and that it was not a reflection of his character. The Rider stated that he had removed himself from the environment and that he was sorry for his actions. The Rider has continued to engage with his counsellor and with the IHRB and in particular with Dr Pugh.
Having considered the evidence, the Referrals Committee accepted the admission by the Rider and confirmed the breach of Rule 227(i). The Committee decided as follows:-
1. The Rider had faced up to his situation positively, by comprehensively liaising with Dr Pugh and Mr Brennan since the positive test came to light.
2. It was accepted that his engagement was genuine and that it was very likely that the positive test resulted from a one-off situation that would not recur. The Committee accepted that the Riders evidence represented a sincere determination on his part to learn from this experience and to avoid a similar situation in future.
3. In the light of the evidence, it was appropriate to extend a second chance to the Rider
4. Applying new penalty guidelines, the Committee imposed a six-month suspension of the Rider’s licence, without further conditions, on the basis that there were no ongoing addiction issues and that his rehabilitation was complete.
5. As the Rider had voluntarily stood himself down from riding since 6 April 2025, his suspension was backdated, (in line with previous decisions). Consequently, the Rider may accept engagements after the date of the hearing.
6. The Rider was specifically advised by the Committee that any similar future offending would attract a minimum penalty of three years suspension of licence, and that he would be unlikely to be offered a third chance of retaining his licence in that event.
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.
Suspension dates: 4 April – 23 October 2025