RACING NEWS:TOP JOCKEY Davy Russell will be the subject of a Turf Club investigation after failing to present himself for a drugs test at the required time at Naas races yesterday.
The stewards on duty yesterday received a report from the Doping Control Officer Al Guy that Russell wasn’t available to provide a urine sample and although the jockey later presented himself, and provided a sample, the matter has been referred on to the Turf Club.
“When the inquiry was being held, no one knew where he was. He just disappeared,” the Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan said last night.
“He was told before the first race (1.55) he would be required to provide a drugs test. Once the required people have ridden a horse they can go and provide a sample at any stage. But the drug testers didn’t know where he was.
“His last ride was at 4.40. There was a lot going on yesterday. There were those jockey Olympics for charity, and he was involved in another inquiry. But he couldn’t be found. He did come back and provide a sample at 5.50,” Egan added.
Russell was reported as saying last night that he simply forgot to provide a sample and had left the track when he got a call. He immediately returned and provided a urine sample. Russell hit the headlines at Listowel last September when he failed an initial breath test for alcohol despite maintaining he is a non-drinker. He passed a second test on the day and was allowed to ride.
