An IHRB Referrals hearing found that the Desmond McDonogh-trained eight-year-old had races of dexamethasone in his system
17:55, 29 Jan 2026Updated 22:49, 29 Jan 2026
Owner JP McManus(Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)
A horse owned by JP McManus and trained by Desmond McDonogh has been disqualified from winning a race at Gowran Park after a prohibited substance was found in its system.
Meath-based handler McDonagh was also fined €1,000 and the €6,600 race winnings were also forfeited.
An Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Referrals hearing on Thursday found that veteran trainer McDonogh was in breach of the rules of racing after his horse In For The Night had traces of dexamethasone (a potent anti-inflammatory) after a routine inspection.
In For The Night had won the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park on October 4th, 2024, when a urine sample was taken.
Traces of dexamethasone were found in the sample by the UK-based LGC Laboratories and were confirmed by LCH Laboratories, France in December of 2024 after the option of a ‘B’ Sample was requested.
McDonogh, best known for training Monksfield to win the Champion Hurdle in 1978 and again in 1979, gave evidence that he believed there would be a four day withdrawal period from dexamethasone and he followed veterinary advice.
The IHRB report said: Mr McDonogh accepted responsibility for the finding, explaining how he followed veterinary advice that there would be a four day withdrawal period from 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. Mr McDonogh explained that In For The Night was on medication to help with his lungs.
“Mr McDonogh stated that he remains unable to explain how the levels of dexamethasone were so high as he has only ever administered the medication via nebulisation and there were no adverse analytical findings arising from In For The Night’s subsequent win.”
The JP McManus-owned In For The Night is an eight-year-old and has since won again at Naas in 2025. His last run was at Fairyhouse in October when eighth of 12. His career earnings are €23,710.
Desmond McDonagh(Image: Horse Racing Ireland)
Dr Lynn Hillyer, IHRB Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Lesley Ferguson, IHRB Deputy Head of Veterinary Policy also gave evidence while an independent report was also received from Professor Stuart Paine, Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology.
The IHRB report added: “In her evidence, Dr Ferguson provided details of the IHRB investigation which included the details and findings of an unannounced inspection of Mr McDonogh’s premises on 28 November 2024.
“She outlined how the horse was being treated via nebuliser over a prolonged period, however the level of dexamethasone present in the sample is not satisfactorily explained by nebulisation.
“In her evidence, Dr Hillyer advised that when a result is four times the screening limit, the medication is having an effect on a horse and that the finding did not appear consistent with the nebulised treatment regimen described.”
“Having considered the evidence the Referrals Committee were satisfied that Mr McDonogh was in breach of Rule 96(i) in that there was a prohibited substance in the Horse on Raceday, and they disqualified In For The Night from the race, ordered the placings to be altered accordingly and the stake be forfeited.
“The Referrals Committee imposed a fine of €1,000 on Mr McDonogh in respect of the breach of Rule 96(i). Furthermore, the Referrals Committee found Mr McDonogh in breach of Rule 148(i), in that the Trainer is responsible for everything connected with the welfare, training and running of all Horses under their care and waived the fine in regard to this breach.”