Stephen Mahon Will Be Investigated By IHRB For Alleged Sampling Interference

Trainer Stephen Mahon, who was banned in June for a period of four years for animal neglect, will be investigated by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) after allegedly interfering with the post-race sample collection of one of his former horses, the Racing Post reported on Sunday evening. Stormey (Ire) (September Storm {Ger}), a horse formerly trained by Mahon, ran third in the Tipperary Racecourse Beginners Chase. The incident took place at Tipperary and was reported to the stewards by IHRB veterinary assistant Avena O'Keeffe. She alleged that Mahon “was interfering in the sampling process by insisting that she turn the tumbler used to collect the urine sample upside down to prove that there was nothing in it, prior to the sample being taken,” according to the stewards' report of the incident. Mahon was at the racecourse acting as Stormey's trainer Patrick Kelly's traveling head lad and authorised representative, according to the report. The incident was referred to the IHRB Chief Executive Denis Egan.