Controversial Turbine back spinning

Controversial horse Turbine made a winning return to action at Leopardstown today as the Denis Hogan trained gelding ended a suspension with a win in the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap.

Turbine last ran on May 24 2019 when finishing 13th of 14 at the Curragh, a fortnight after winning at Cork, but subsequently tested positive for Nandrolone after both races.

The case was the first time a racehorse had tested positive for an anabolic steroid in Ireland and trainer Hogan escaped any penalties after his vet Donnacha Houlihan accepted responsibility.

Houlihan outlined to the referrals' panel how another horse (not specified in the report) at his practice was being treated with a substance containing Nandrolone with Turbine, stabled next door, being administered that drug in error.

Today's win, under capable 7lbs claimer Joey Sheridan, ended a 394 day layoff (having initially been suspended until March 31, 2020) for the seven year old gelding and afterwards Hogan reported “it's his first run in a long time but he's been ready to run a while. He was ready to run before the lockdown and we've kept him ticking over - he was ready today.”

He added “I think the handicapper has given him a chance and along with Joey's claim it's been a huge help to him. He probably was well in today.

“He probably should have been in the big handicap next weekend but he wouldn't have got into that without winning.

“There are a couple of options for him and Galway will be on the cards as he's ran well there before.

“He's a solid horse and he could go back jumping too later in the summer.

“He'd been getting chinned making the running before and I told Joey only make it if you are getting it easy. He is a good lad, he's able to use his head and figure it out for himself.

“They all ran well. Big Baby Bull was fourth and Atlas sixth. They are running very well and I couldn't be happier.”

Quotes from Gary Carson