Irish trainer Shane Donohoe was reported to the stewards of the British Horseracing Authority for failing to give permission to be searched at Wolverhampton last week and, as a result, his runner Star Links was withdrawn from the 1400m handicap.
It appears security staff approached Donohoe in the racecourse stables in what was described as “an ongoing integrity issue” involving Mr Donohoe and the horse Star Links” by stipendiary steward Greg Pearson. The incident concerns rule 48.1.7, which states that the BHA may conduct a search of any person present on licensed premises and take samples or custody of any article or material found on such persons.
Pearson said: “We requested Mr Donohoe to come to the stewards’ room so that a search could be carried out. He refused to give the stewards permission to search him and therefore the horse was withdrawn by order of the stewards for him failing to comply with the rule.
“Therefore a report on the matter will be forwarded to the BHA.” When asked if the stewards were acting on a tip-off regarding the matter, Pearson declined to comment. Star Links has raced at Wolverhampton twice in the last two months, winning in November and finishing fifth last month.
