IGB launches review of anti-doping

The Irish Greyhound Board has launched a review of anti-doping and medication procedures within the sport.

The IGB has commissioned leading international veterinary surgeon Prof Tim Morris to lead the review.

Prof Morris is currently independent scientific adviser to the Greyhound Board of Britain on anti-doping and medication.

His review will examine medication and doping control arrangements in place across similar animal sports. He will also look into anti-doping regulation, consider ongoing research and analytical requirements, and evaluate how existing sampling and detection policies are applied in practice.

The IGB said the review will be conducted in a manner that engages with stakeholders and will allow it to assess whether any improvements can be made to the structures in place and ensure it is in line with international standards.

Chief executive Geraldine Larkin said she hopes the review demonstrates the IGB’s “commitment to achieving greater transparency in racing and in the protection and promotion of animal welfare”.

She said: “IGB strives to align the domestic regulatory system with international best practice to ensure that greyhound racing remains a clean sport, and we look forward to seeing the recommendations that will result from Prof Morris’s review.”

Director of racing governance and compliance Hilary Forde said there is a need for tighter, more robust policy when it comes to anti-doping and medication control within greyhound racing and that the IGB is “determined” to put this into place.