Adrian McGuinness fined after horse not submitted for post-race testing following request

Trainer Adrian McGuinness has been fined by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board for failing to present a horse for a sample post-race following a request from an official.

McGuinness had been requested by the stewards to present Laugh A Minute for testing after the Paddy Power Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh on 26 June but he did not do so.

Doctor Lynn Hillyer, head of anti-doping and chief veterinary officer for the IRHB, said the race had firstly been selected for pre-race testing.

She noticed a venepuncture with traces of blood on the horse which she said concerned her as it appeared to be relatively recent, noting the rule which prohibits the administration of any substances on raceday.

Dr Hillyer added that, following the running of race three and prior to Laugh A Minute running in race four, McGuinness was informed that a full regulatory sample would also be taken from Laugh A Minute post-race and the trainer acknowledged this requirement.

Laugh a Minute finished 11th of the 18-runner field in the 3.10pm race.

She stated that at 3.44pm a member of the IHRB veterinary team contacted her to say that Laugh A Minute had not been presented for sampling post-race and that a subsequent review of CCTV footage showed Mr. McGuinness' three horses leaving the stable yard at 3.31pm.

McGuinness accepted the evidence as given by Dr Hillyer and suggested that the matter was a complete breakdown of communications on the day and apologised.

He also explained that duphalyte had been administered to Laugh a Minute on the evening prior, a permitted substance used as "he can be a very nervous horse" when travelling and this was administered by his own veterinary surgeon who could be contacted to confirm it.

He said he failed to tell his