JP McManus-Owned Horse Disqualified from Gowran Park Win After Dexamethasone Detection
A significant ruling from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has seen a victory for a prominent owner overturned due to a prohibited substance finding. In For The Night, a horse owned by racing magnate JP McManus and trained by Desmond McDonogh, has been officially disqualified from its first-place finish at Gowran Park in October 2024.
Substance Discovery and Regulatory Action
The disqualification stems from the detection of the anti-inflammatory medication dexamethasone in the horse's system following the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle on October 4th, 2024. Routine post-race testing conducted by UK-based LGC Laboratories initially identified traces of the substance, with confirmation provided in December 2024 by LCH Laboratories in France after analysis of a 'B' sample.
As a result of this finding, the IHRB Referrals Committee has taken decisive action:
- The horse has been stripped of its victory at Gowran Park
- Trainer Desmond McDonogh has been fined €1,000 (approximately £870)
- The £5,700 prize money from the race has been forfeited
- Race placings have been officially altered
Trainer's Explanation and Veterinary Testimony
During the hearing, veteran trainer McDonogh—best known for guiding Monksfield to Champion Hurdle successes in 1978 and 1979—accepted responsibility for the prohibited substance being present on raceday. He presented evidence that he had followed veterinary advice regarding a supposed four-day withdrawal period for dexamethasone.
"Mr McDonogh accepted that he did not check the front of the Medicines Register which states that there is a 120 hour detection time," noted the IHRB report. The trainer explained that In For The Night was receiving medication via nebulisation to assist with respiratory issues, but maintained he could not account for the elevated levels detected.
Expert veterinary testimony provided crucial context to the committee's deliberations. Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer, advised that the concentration found—four times the screening limit—indicated the medication was having a physiological effect on the horse. This finding appeared inconsistent with the described nebulised treatment regimen.
Dr Lesley Ferguson, IHRB Deputy Head of Veterinary Policy, detailed an unannounced inspection of McDonogh's premises in November 2024 as part of the investigation. While confirming the horse had received prolonged nebuliser treatment, she stated that "the level of dexamethasone present in the sample is not satisfactorily explained by nebulisation."
Regulatory Breaches and Career Context
The Referrals Committee determined that McDonogh had breached two key racing rules:
- Rule 96(i): Presence of a prohibited substance in a horse on raceday
- Rule 148(i): Trainer responsibility for all aspects of horses under their care
While imposing the €1,000 fine for the first breach, the committee waived any additional penalty for the second violation. The disqualification represents a notable setback for the eight-year-old gelding, who has since recorded another victory at Naas in 2025 and boasts career earnings exceeding £20,000. His most recent outing at Fairyhouse in October saw him finish eighth in a field of twelve.
This case highlights the stringent anti-doping protocols within Irish horseracing and serves as a reminder of trainers' absolute responsibility for compliance with medication regulations, regardless of veterinary advice or treatment intentions.
