An investigation has been launched after a dog taking part in a race at Lifford Greyhound Stadium tested positive for Viagra.
Concern was aroused when Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) received the results of the sample taken from the greyhound following a heat there on January 5th.
Bord na gCon (Irish Greyhound Board) added the anti-impotence pill to its list of prohibited substances following rumours that some trainers were exploiting the drug’s performance-enhancing qualities. Well known for giving many human males a lift, Viagra is also thought to raise a dog’s blood pressure and increase its heart rate, leading to quicker times in the early stages of a race.
Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) was detected in the two-year-old at Lifford Stadium. Despite reports that the dog romped to victory, Donegal Daily can confirm the greyhound didn’t cross the line first. The going was said to be good to firm on the evening in question.
The results of the Lifford Stadium test were published on the official Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) website.
In response to a query from Donegal Daily, GRI said it cannot comment on individual cases or unfinished investigations.
However, their spokesperson confirmed that thousands of tests have been carried out at the east Donegal venue since it reopened in early 2023, in accordance with its licence.
“It is not the practice of Rásaíocht Con Éireann/Greyhound Racing Ireland to comment on any individual case or matter that is unfinalised in the context of the statutory provisions that apply to such allegations,” a GRI spokesperson said.
“However, Rásaíocht Con Éireann can advise, from a statutory and regulatory perspective, it is a mandatory requirement that when an Adverse Analytical Finding is returned from a greyhound, it is published on the Rásaíocht Con Éireann website.”
Additionally, the spokesperson said GRI is statutorily obliged to notify and report this matter to the Greyhound Racing Control Committee and request it to investigate the matter.
We also asked a spokesperson for Lifford Greyhound Stadium for a comment.