THE IRISH GREYHOUND Board (IGB) has confirmed that the winner of one of the biggest races in Ireland’s racing calendar has tested positive for cocaine.

Clonbrien Hero, who won the prestigious Irish Laurels, was found to have traces of the Class A drug on three separate occasions this year.

The failed tests were carried out at Cork Greyhound Stadium on 24 June, 1 July and 22 July. The dog is owned by Kay Murphy and trained by Graham Holland.

The July 22 test was carried out at the Laurels final which Clonbrien Hero won comfortably in 28 seconds. The prize money for winning the race was €30,000.

Speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland Ger Dollard of the Irish Greyhound Board said that, as with all adverse findings, the prize money has been frozen and Clonbrien Hero cannot race again until it is passed clear.

There were eight other adverse findings in June and one other in July in tests carried out by greyhound board laboratories.

“The Irish Greyhound Board, as part of its robust testing regime, publishes any adverse findings as they arise,” the board said in statement.

IGB does not comment on individual cases which have been referred to the control committee and which may proceed to investigation.

Cocaine has similar effects on animals as it does on humans.

There were a number of positive tests in the US this summer with several trainers having their licences revoked after dogs were found with cocaine in their systems.

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