Jones faces quiz over greyhound drugs test

FILM star and former soccer ace Vinnie Jones will be summoned to a hearing in Co Tipperary next month to explain why his coursing greyhound tested positive for drugs.

Boavista failed a test for banned substances following its victory in the world’s richest coursing race, the €80,000 Irish Cup in Co Limerick on February 26.

It yesterday emerged the Irish Coursing Club, which is the governing body for the sport in Ireland, will summon Mr Jones to its offices in Clonmel in April to explain the test results.

Boavista, which won the Coursing Greyhound of the Year accolade for the 2005/2006 season, is co-owned by Pat Curtin and Dinny Gould from Miltown Malbay, Co Clare.

Coursing Club chief executive Jerry Desmond said Jones could face penalties and fines if it is proven he breached the club’s rules as set out under the 1958 Greyhound Industry Act.

Mr Desmond said: “If the findings are upheld, heavy penalties may be imposed on the dog’s owners and trainer.”

Positive drug tests are extremely rare in Irish coursing, which is administered separately from greyhound racing.

Boavista’s win at the Irish Cup completed a glittering 24-course unbeaten run since September.