Mr Swindle. Trainer of the horse “Dollar Vert”
Further to the Veterinary and Welfare Commission hearing on 11/09/20 to consider the details of the positive medication findings against the horse ‘Dollar Vert’ when tested in Annaghmore on 25/07/20, the following penalties are to be applied:
A fine of €550 plus expenses.
Loss of the race result and associated prize money.
The horse has been re-tested at Mr Swindle’s expense and has returned a clear-sample result.
The VWC is now satisfied that this horse may be returned to racing at the discretion of the IHRA Board.
In coming to the above decision, the panel considered the fact that there were two prohibited substances in the positive sample – triamcinolone and furosemide. These substances, while they have a legitimate therapeutic use in the horse, are not permitted to be present in a sample submitted on the day of a race.
Consideration was also given to Mr Swindle’s open and frank explanation as to how both substances came to be present and to his co-operation in this process. Mr Swindle’s observations regarding the inappropriate nature of how he came to be aware of the positive finding were also noted.
The VWC urge the IHRA Board to examine the circumstances around this issue as outlined by Mr Swindle.
Finally, Mr Swindle is now aware that the VWC Medirecord app. to record the administration of medication to horses under his care has been introduced. Mr Swindle has been urged to use the VWC Medirecord app. to record the administration of all medications and this will help avoid future prohibited substances rule breaches.
