Greyhound Owner Banned for 15 Months After Prohibited Substance Detected in Racehorse
A greyhound owner from Derry has been handed a 15-month ban and fined €5,000 after a prohibited substance was detected in one of his dogs following a race in Lifford. The incident, which occurred on April 5, 2025, involved Raymond Hamilton Jnr, whose greyhound, Bartlemy Soldier, tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid banned under greyhound racing rules.
Details of the Positive Test
The positive result was confirmed through a urine sample collected at Lifford Greyhound Stadium. The test revealed four distinct canine metabolites of nandrolone: 19-norepiandrosterone. 19-noretiocholanolone; 5a-estran-3B, 17B-diol; and 5a-estran-3B, 17a-diol. These findings were presented to the Greyhound Racing Control Committee, which heard evidence from Dr. Jim Healy of The Irish Greyhound Laboratory.
Hamilton Jnr, who was not present during the committee meeting, submitted an Investigation Report Form stating that he did not knowingly administer a prohibited substance to the dog. He claimed the positive test was due to contaminated meat and mentioned that he had since changed his meat supplier.
Committee’s Decision and Penalties
The Greyhound Racing Control Committee ruled in favor of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, the organization responsible for investigating the case. Hamilton Jnr was issued a Disqualification Order for 15 months and ordered to pay €5,000. Costs of €750 were awarded to Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
This is not Hamilton Jnr’s first disciplinary action. In July 2025, he was fined €5,000 after another dog, Long Spartacus, returned a positive test for a prohibited substance.
Impact on Greyhound Racing Regulations
The case highlights the stringent measures in place to ensure fair competition and the health of racing greyhounds. Nandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid, is prohibited due to its performance-enhancing effects and potential health risks to animals. The Greyhound Racing Control Committee emphasizes strict adherence to these regulations to maintain the integrity of the sport.
For more details on this case, refer to the original report from the Donegal Daily.