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The Referrals Committee, Mr Peter Allen (Chair), Mr Michael Sheahan and Mr Noel McCaffrey convened in the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Thursday 26 March 2026 to consider whether Mr O’Meara (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 4 December 2025, confirmed that the urine sample taken from Plunkett Street following the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle at Thurles on 20 November 2025 was confirmed by LGC Laboratories to contain phenobarbital.
The option of ‘B’ sample analysis was requested by Mr O’Meara. The presence of phenobarbital was confirmed by LCH Laboratories, France on 26 January 2026.
Evidence was heard from Mr O’Meara and Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer.
In her evidence, Dr Hillyer provided details of the IHRB investigation which included an unannounced inspection of Mr O’Meara’s premises on 5 December 2025. Dr Hillyer confirmed that there were no other apparent breaches in Mr O’Meara’s yard during the inspection, and she noted Mr O’Meara’s full cooperation during the investigation. In her evidence, Dr. Hillyer also outlined the prevention measures available to Mr O’Meara including separating pets from Horses that are racing active and also ensuring the safe keeping of medication. Dr Hillyer explained that phenobarbital is widely used in the treatment of seizures and is a prohibited substance on raceday. Dr Hillyer confirmed that Mr O’Meara suggested cross-contamination from his dog as a possible explanation and supplied a veterinary prescription for phenobarbital for his dog who was receiving treatment for seizures. Dr Hillyer confirmed following all analysis that cross-contamination was a plausible explanation in this case.
In his evidence Mr O’Meara accepted he was in breach of the rules and accepted the evidence of Dr Hillyer. Mr O’Meara confirmed that he could have done more to separate the animals, and he said that the dog, is a long-term family pet and had at that time, the run of the yard. He said think of the cross-contamination risks but accepted the evidence of Dr Hillyer. Mr O’Meara added that the dog is now kept away from the yard where the horses are.
Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr O’Meara was in breach of Rule 96(i), in that there was a prohibited substance in the horse on raceday. The committee ordered that Plunkett Street be disqualified from the race in question, ordered the placings to be altered accordingly and the stake be forfeited. A fine of €1,500 was imposed on Mr O’Meara in respect of the breach of Rule 96(i).
Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr O’Meara 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 and there was an opportunity to avoid this adverse analytical finding. The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €500 in respect of Rule 148(i).
The amended result of the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle now reads:
First: Lambay Island
Second: Kazbek
Third: Miss Mini Bee
Fourth: Giant Haystacks
Fifth: Down Around
Sixth: Arctic Piper
The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity.