Shane Bargery, an amateur jockey, has had his riding licence revoked for a decade following his second positive cocaine test within 14 months. This is the harshest punishment ever given to a jockey in Ireland for a drugs-related offence. Bargery, who competed predominantly in point-to-point races, was first caught using the drug in November 2022 during such an event. His licence was initially suspended for four years, however, he was allowed to reapply after a year.
After scrutinising his case last November, authorities reinstated his licence, only for Bargery to once again test positive for the same drug during a point-to-point race at the end of January. Earlier this week, the referals panel, headed by Justice Tony Hunt, decided to impose the remaining three years of his initial suspension, and appended an additional seven years for his second transgression.
The panel received testimony from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s top medical officer, Dr Jennifer Pugh, who disclosed that she could no longer keep them updated on Bargery’s status as he had detached himself from her for a significant period of time. The panel verdict declared their disappointment at Bargery’s violation of both circumstances under which his initial punishment was put on hold.
“Firstly, he did not properly cooperate with Dr Pugh’s requirements. Secondly, and likely due to his failure to do so, he incurred an additional drug use violation as early as January 28th, 2024,” they conveyed. The panel further noted that his breach was compounded by his subsequent behaviour, including abruptly leaving a rehabilitation facility arranged for him without giving notice. This, they declared, was a grave situation that Bargery hadn’t sought to alleviate in any way. The panel stated that the circumstances necessitated a protracted, consecutive penalty for the second rules violation.
In recent regulatory updates, the professional horse racer, Gearóid Brouder, now has the opportunity to reapply for his racing licence after completing a year of his four-year ban. The ban was initiated as a result of Brouder’s cocaine consumption surfaced in May 2023.
Earlier this week, a review panel welcomed evidence from Brouder who opened up about the struggles he faced last year. With the ongoing assistance and guidance from renowned addiction advisor Pat Brennan, and Dr Pugh, Brouder has transformed his worldview, opting for a healthier way of life.
Brouder’s proactive participation has been acknowledged by Dr Pugh who further stated that Brouder has embraced accountability since the last proceedings. He’s significantly revamped his conduct and his interaction, a stark contrast to his behaviour pre-suspension.