Irish-trained horse tests positive

RACING: Another Irish-trained horse has tested positive for morphine as the contaminated feed issue rumbles on into a second weekend.

The Turf Club confirmed yesterday that a horse that was placed at Punchestown last Saturday has tested positive for the prohibited substance. That adds to the eight winners who have already tested positive. Those samples are currently being independently examined in France.

"We are not sure when the results of those eight will come back but it normally takes up to 10 days," said the Turf Club spokesman Sean Barry.

In other news yesterday, Horse Racing Ireland announced there will be a record total of €49 million in prize-money on offer in Ireland next year. That compares to €45.6 million in 2,002.

A HRI statement said they are confident the base value of races can be maintained despite there being 20 extra fixtures. The HRI board also approved a simplified framework for the allocation of funds.

"HRI has confirmed its commitment to offering prize-money which bears the most favourable international comparison," said Director of Racing Jason Morris.

Star of the show at Fairyhouse today could be the talented Bust Out who returns to action in the Mulhuddert Begginers Chase.

The last time Bust Out saw action, he was chasing home Istabraq and failing by only a head to beat him. A translation of that sort of form to fences would be impressive, although Nomadic should also make his presence felt.

Fairyhouse at the start of December was a long way from the Gulf heat that Rosaker was used to but the former flat winner put in a most encouraging first effort when beaten just 13 lengths by Hardy Eustace in the Royal Bond. Carberry's mount was bang there at the second last that day and looks a bet in the maiden hurdle.

Little Rort was second to Dashing Home on his hurdles debut at Down Royal and is hard to opposein the opener.