Splaine criticises ‘flawed’ Irish drug testing procedures
He stressed the result of a test on his stallion Clarion Hotels Coolcorron Cool Diamond had tested negative for prohibited substances.
However, the Corkman, with 30 years of international competition experience, said he had serious questions with the manner in which the testing had been undertaken at the Clare event.
“What happened to me at Ennis has shown this area to be flawed. It is imperative that the whole testing procedure is seen to be above reproach, both for the sport’s sake and the rider’s,” said Splaine at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show.
“I appreciate this testing is being done with the best will in the world and nobody would argue against protecting the sport, but it is absolutely imperative we protect the riders and owners as well.”
The Nations Cup rider stressed he had no argument with the Show Jumping Association of Ireland’s (SJAI) need to test horses. Neither had he a problem with the stewards, vets or anyone else involved with the testing. It is the mechanics of the procedure he feels is flawed and he questioned the level of instruction given to those involved and the amount of information provided to those whose horses are being tested.
“I felt I had to speak out. The consequences of a positive test are too serious for the testing not to be 100% foolproof. It can affect a rider’s reputation,” said Splaine, who has put his name forward for the post of chef d’equipe of the Irish team. “It can also compromise a rider’s ability to earn a living, not to mention the affect on the rider’s family,” added the Belgooly man, who this year secured sponsorship from the Clarion Hotels group.
Splaine said that at Ennis on July 10, after he had won the grand prix, it was decided his horse and two others were to be blood tested.
“It was handled in a very haphazard manner and crucial to all of this is the fact the horse, who had been handed over to my groom, became separated from the steward prior to testing.
“I have sought advice from high authority and been advised that, under FEI rules, the horse has to be supervised from the time the rider is informed a test is being undertaken,” added Splaine, whose horses have been tested many times.
One of the other riders whose horse was tested, Peter Leonard, was also unhappy with the procedure. “We were not assured the sample would be safe and I made my feelings known on the day. My dissatisfaction was noted and the SJAI informed,” said Leonard.
Drug testing was started this year by the SJAI in the light of Cian O’Connor’s positive test at Athens and the recognition by the governing body for the sport to be clean and seen to be clean.
O’Connor was stripped of his medal, but the case highlighted the inability of the International Equestrian Federation to carry out testing in a professional manner. In another case earlier this year, Nations Cup rider Jessica Kurten’s horse tested positive in Calgary, Canada. She pointed to feed she was compelled to give the horse at the show.
However, the FEI were forced to drop the case when Kurten discovered the flask containing the B sample had been broken.
Yesterday, SJA director general Robert Joyce said he was “looking into” what happened at Ennis. “This is our first year testing horses and we will listen to anyone who can help us improve our methods,” he said.
