JUST one of the nine A samples taken from horses on the domestic circuit that tested positive for a banned substance has been confirmed by a B sample positive, according to ShowjumpingIreland.

HORSE Racing Ireland (HRI) yesterday announced a series of budgetary measures for 2011, in response to the challenging economic environment, the €1.6m reduction in funding announced in the recent budget, and a drop in HRI’s overall income.

TED WALSH has called on the government to bring the law pertaining to the administration of medication to horses, which he says “crucifies the racehorse man,” into line with other animals slaughtered for human consumption or risk pushing the industry underground.

THE little Kerry bog pony, which has itself been saved from extinction, is now doing its bit to aid the survival of some bird species.

REDUCTIONS of prize monies, staff pay freezes and restrictions on racecourse development projects are amongst the key financial cuts announced by Horse Racing Ireland yesterday.

THERE is a growing confidence that the outbreak of swamp fever, which seriously threatened our multi-billion-euro bloodstock industry, has been contained.

THERE is increasing confidence the outbreak of swamp fever in horses has been contained and progress has been made toward its eradication.

THE Department of Agriculture and Food is investigating the source of a serum suspected of causing the country’s first ever outbreak of swamp fever in horses.

THE first case of swamp fever has been confirmed in Northern Ireland and a further outbreak detected in the Republic.