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But, what names would you expect to hear?
I don’t think he is referring to Irish NH Racing. He doesn’t train any jumpers and I guess it wouldn’t bother him too much
He is a very capable Flat trainer who knows how to win a Classic or two and you would expect him to feel cheated that he couldn’t add even more Classics to his CV. It was only this year when he won his first ever Irish 2,000 Guineas, a race I thought he might have won before. He had a nice winning sequence in the Dewhurst over a decade ago, but after that he was left pretty far behind Coolmore.
When speaking of Lance Armstrong dimensions (who was a multiple TDF winner before he was caught) there is only one opponent I can think of. Wouldn’t it be tough and dangerous trying to state a claim against such firm?
For those not familiar with the Irish political scene, it is important to note that the Chairman of the Committee, Jackie Cahill has a personal interest in the horse racing industry as an owner.
Another important point is that he is a TD (MP) for the Tipperary constituency. Why is that relevant?
There are about 80 trainers, 1,000 horses in training and 1,000 employees based in Co.Tipperary. Chief amongst them is Ballydoyle, the largest establishment in Ireland.It would be understandable that a local member of parliament might try to avoid bad publicity for a vibrant industry and key source of employment in his constituency.
Most importantly in my view however, is that some of the comments he made last week, in my view showed hostility to Bolger. He certainly didn’t give me the impression that he was welcoming the input of Bolger.
Here is a section from an Irish Independent news report from June 22nd:
Agriculture Committee chairman Jackie Cahill said Mr Bolger’s claims were doing “serious reputational damage” to the industry and that it was important they are either “substantiated or put to bed”.
With public comments like that is it any wonder Bolger decided against appearing.
So there may a be a doping problem, but because it may cause problems for the industry, we’ll ignore it…..
As a cycling fan, I just shake my head in despair….
Perfectly summed up, thewexfordman. Appearing before Cahill and his ilk is not an opportunity for a fair and frank discussion. Whatever people think of William Jones, his experiences give some insight into dealing with that crowd. With the racing media rowing firmly in behind them, Bolger would have it all to do. Personally I believe him up to it, and as he says, he has right on his side. However, the legal aspect is the killer blow. His hands are tied. It’s incredibly disappointing to see the animosity towards him. Human athletes are prepared to risk their lives and health to gain the edge and make history. If anyone thinks people wouldn’t do the same in horses (who cannot speak for themselves) they are completely deluded.
Tbh, Bolger did kinda need to “put up or shut up.”
Claiming it goes on without backing it up isn’t exactly helpful – it damages the industry while doing zero to eradicate any malpractice.
While no defender or apologist for any establishment myself, I do personally think what Cahill said on this occasion was fair enough in the circumstances.
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"The key problem with Cahill’s comments was that it showed that reputational damage was more worrying to him than the integrity of the sport.
This is getting plain silly now. So Bolger can hint at wrongdoing but has no evidence yet he’s the victim in this. Listen to what Jessica Harrington said. Surely a sensible person in this and she says bolgers comments are damaging to the reputation of Irish racing. If he’s got evidence run with it. I for one will be fully behind rooting out cheats but we cant escape the fact by slinging mud it will damage the sport he works in. Nobody it seems will come out of this well. Imho of course.
Hi TTC, it’s behind a paywall. I did the old fashioned thing, and sent the husband to buy it (the paper)! I’m sure sooner or later somebody will post the whole thing. Key points are GB trainer who rang Bolger, having had 6 horses ‘acquired in Ireland’ hair tested – testosterone, androstenedione, and unidentified keto steroids ‘likely to be performance enhancing medication within the steroid class’ across the tests, according to the toxicology expert. The trainer paid 10k for this testing, so clearly had serious suspicions. Separately, people from within the industry have been contacting Kimmage with specific detail, which they have previously passed to IHRB. No action was taken. If you want to pay, it’s here:
https://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/whistles-blown-in-the-wind-irish-racing-authorities-talk-a-good-anti-doping-fight-but-time-has-come-for-more-than-words-40610948.htmlJim Bolger has done all he needs to do.
Incredible that he receives so much stick online. Whistleblowers are always the bad guys. Remember in cycling, Lance Armstrongs accusers were openly vilified.The problem is this is all still unsubstantiated.
Unnamed trainer, unnamed horses, unnamed source(s) they were bought from in Ireland.
I would bet odds-on it’s true, but Bolger theoretically could be making it all up.
It doesn’t in itself either mean anything or take Racing any closer to becoming a higher-integrity game.
It’s not Bolger’s job to sort out Racing, but it’s not his job to persist with unsubstantiated allegations either.
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"@ sporting sam
As a cycling fan, I’ve seen all this before. And the often used phrase that ‘Lance never failed a test’ is false ; he did, but the governing body/race organisers covered it up.
People are hoping it will go away – and it may well – but it’s out there. There is an issue with doping in horse racing.
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