Clonmel shock as six dogs test positive

The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) has confirmed that six samples taken from runners at this year’s National Meeting in Clonmel have tested positive for banned substances.

The news is a bitter blow to the sport, which has been thriving through difficult economic times, and comes at the end of what had been perceived to have been another great season up the field.

The next step for the Executive Committee of the ICC is to appoint an independent committee to adjudicate on the matter, and no specific details will be released until such time as a final outcome is reached.

The statement, released yesterday afternoon by ICC chief executive DJ Histon, read: “Following analysis of samples taken at the National Coursing Meeting held on February 1, 2 and 3, 2014, the results of six samples report the presence of prohibited substances as defined by Rule 88 of the Irish Coursing Club Rules.

“The Executive Committee of the Irish Coursing Club will appoint an Independent Hearing Committee to adjudicate on these matters in compliance with Rule 88.

“If the Hearing Committee find a breach of Rule 88, such decision(s) will be published in the Sporting Press newspaper.

“In the interest of due process, fair procedure and natural justice no specific details will be reported at this time until a final outcome is reached under the authority of Rule 88.”