Irish Army Showjumping Horse Disqualified After Drug Test Failure
- A horse ridden by an Irish Army lieutenant has tested positive for a sedative during a showjumping event in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.
- The incident raises concerns regarding the treatment and care of horses in competitive events.
- Further investigations may be required to ensure compliance with competition regulations and welfare standards.
In a recent incident, LMK Derry, a six-year-old grey gelding belonging to the Irish Army, failed a drug test during a qualifier for the Dublin Horse Show. The test, conducted in May, revealed the presence of a controlled medication, which, while not banned, is prohibited during competitions. The Irish Defence Forces have launched an investigation but have not determined how the horse came into contact with the substance. As a result of the test findings, both LMK Derry and its rider, Lt Michaelí Byrne, were disqualified from the event. The Irish Independent reported that there is no indication that Lt Byrne was responsible for administering the sedative. The horse is trained at the Irish Army's Equitation School, located in Phoenix Park, Dublin, where meticulous records of each horse's medical history and medications are maintained. The Defence Forces clarified that the sedative in question is typically prescribed for horses recovering from injuries. They emphasized their commitment to the health and welfare of the horses at the Equitation School, stating that they work closely with veterinary teams to ensure proper care. The official owner of LMK Derry is the Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin. A spokesperson for the Department of Defence confirmed that they were informed of the drug test results and acknowledged the violation regarding the controlled medication, but declined to provide further comments on the matter.