Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced a series of new anti-doping measures and unveiled plans to test over 4,000 horses in the country this year.

Under the new powers granted to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), every horse in the country will be liable for testing without notice on both licensed (trainers) and unlicensed premises.

There are also plans for close circuit television to be installed in every racecourse stableyard in the country, while 600 horses are set to be tested at public auctions.

HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: “Integrity around anti-doping is a top priority for the Irish racing and breeding industry. People who set out to intentionally break the rules and use prohibited substances will be identified and prosecuted. They have no place in Ireland’s world-renowned racing industry and all industry bodies are committed to zero tolerance in this area.”

National dreams

Kildare trainer Peter Fahey has Irish Grand National dreams for his talented gelding The Big Dog after the eight-year-old won the Punchestown Grand National Trial Handicap Chase on Sunday.

The Big Dog, owned by Damien and Colin Kelly, has always promised plenty and produced a career best under amateur rider Jamie Codd to see off William Durkan’s Screaming Colours.

“His jumping was brilliant today until he took it up – he just looks around in front,” Fahey said. “If the ground was heavy we might think about the Irish National.

“His runs in all his beginners chases were good and I’m delighted for his owners the Kellys as they are huge racing supporters.”

The Monasterevin, Co Kildare-based trainer is having a good season, with 13 winners on the board already, three of which have been provided by classy mare Royal Kahala who could represent him at Cheltenham next month.

Another mare likely heading for Cheltenham is Elimay, who took the feature Listed BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas on Saturday. Willie Mullins’s grey ran out a smooth winner and is clear favourite for the first running of the Mares’ Chase at the Festival.