RACING: Irish jockeys will be subject to random drug tests from the start of the 2003 flat season. The move brings Ireland into line with most other major racing countries and was one of a wide-ranging set of initiatives announced by the Turf Club yesterday.

The sport's governing body also declared its intention to increase the minimum weight to 7lb 12oz and said a new balloting system to favour better-class horses will shortly come into effect.

However racing's move to introduce drug testing, after extensive contacts between the Turf Club and the Irish Sports Council, appears the most significant development.

It is hoped that 50 riders will be tested next year and it is expected that up to 100 a year will eventually have to give urine samples.

A list of prohibited substances is being prepared and testing will be carried out at an IOC-approved laboratory.

The Turf Club medical officer, Dr Walter Halley has had meetings with John Treacy of the Sports Council and the chairman of its medical committee.

Significantly, Halley said he did not see future random testing off-course as being impossible. But most testing will take place at racecourses.

"I warmly welcome this move and lots of jockeys I have spoken to have no objections. They are in a split-second decision making situation and they don't want someone drunk or on drugs riding with them," Halley added.

The jockeys' association spokesman Andrew Coonan agreed, and said: "Racing here has an enviable record and is known to be extremely clean. This will simply confirm what we already know."

However he added: "We will have to see if it is random or selective testing." If jockeys suspect another rider is taking substances and the testing is random, he may not get tested.

"Equally if it is selective testing, a jockey might be seen to be victimised for nothing other than suspicion," Coonan said.

The Turf Club's main testing targets will be alcohol, "leisure" drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy and diuretic drugs that help weight loss. In the proposed list of proscribed drugs, some will be allowable as prescribed medication but they will have to be declared in advance of use.

Currently, the Turf Club medical officer can only test a subject at the request of the stewards, a procedure dismissed as "out of date" yesterday.

The difficulty facing some jockeys with their weight is being addressed by the Turf Club and from October 1st, the minimum weight carried by a horse will be 7lb 12oz.

That's 5lbs more than now and is a reflection of there being less lightweight riders and the inability of some apprentices to fully use their claim.

Only three of the 24 graduates from the apprentice school last term weighed less than 7st. An announcement on a new minimum weight for jump jockeys will be be made later in the year.

An announcement on a harmonisation of the interference rules between Britain and Ireland is also expected soon.

Another significant development is that the Turf Club are looking at how the main stand at the Curragh can either be "significantly upgraded or replaced totally". However they stressed that any building work would not interfere with the racing programme.

The Turf Club said the set-up of Horse Racing Ireland has allowed them to focus more closely on their key functions and start the review which came up with yesterday's initiatives.

These moves will also include the appointment of two legal assessors, who will be available to both sides at any appeals and referrals committee hearing.

This is in the light of some recent high-profile appeals which have been disrupted due to differences over points of law.

The retired circuit court judge John Buckley and the senior counsel Henry Bourke are the two appointees.

Other initiatives include:

John Buckley to re-write the Turf Club rule book in its first major overhaul since 1973.

Charity Race riders cannot be over 55 and an annual short-term course at RACE is compulsory.

Senior Stipendary steward allowed appear on TV to explain enquiries.

In the event of tracks not reaching acceptable standards, the Licensing Committee may not reissue the track's licence.

Telephone texting to subscribers with notification and results of inspections.