THE IRISH TURF CLUB has announced a significant expansion of its drug testing regime in horse racing.

From 1 January 2015 all horses, including those currently listed as out of training, will be liable for testing at any time as part of an improved anti-doping programme.

Among other proposed measures, the Turf Club will also seek to have their veterinary officers recognised with powers of search and seizure under the relevant legislation.

The changes come amidst two ongoing court cases concerning trainers Philip Fenton and Pat Hughes for alleged possession of unauthorised animal remedies. The cases against both men have been adjourned until later this year.

“While the Turf Club already has an extensive and successful drug testing regime in place, it is an area that is under constant review and where we would never be complacent,” Turf Club CEO Denis Egan said in a statement.

“In 2013 the Turf Club tested 3,207 samples out of which three were found to be positive. All winners on the racecourse are tested for prohibited substances while Turf Club Veterinary Officers also visit trainers’ yards and take samples from horses in training.”

He added: “The Turf Club will use every resource at its disposal to ensure that Irish racing is kept as clean as possible and free from drugs. Over the next two years we will significantly enhance the out of competition testing that we carry out, with the result that we will be able to test a lot more horses that previously we did not have access to.

“Recent developments have pointed for the need to extend the drug testing regime particularly into the area where horses are out of training, and also to seek new powers to enable the Turf Club veterinary officers inspect premises for illegal drugs.”