Racing: Mann applauds raids on stables

Charlie Mann yesterday expressed his delight that racing seems to have been found to be free of drug abuse following the Jockey Club's raids on five stables earlier this week. But he admitted having reservations about whether the test for the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO) was totally reliable. "I'm delighted, but I'm not convinced that they can detect for it yet," the Lambourn trainer said.

All 408 samples taken for analysis from the stables of Martin Pipe, Paul Nicholls, Venetia Williams, Len Lungo and Alan Jones proved negative for EPO. Mann hopes that the unannounced tests will continue: "It's a good idea and I'm very pleased the Jockey Club have done it."

It was Mann who claimed in December that some trainers are gaining a huge advantage by administering EPO to their horses. He thought that the story may have helped prompt the Jockey Club into action. "That had some bearing on it, but it's a good thing really. I applaud what the Jockey Club have done."

Mann does not believe that racing has been damaged by the unannounced tests. "I don't see why," he said. "There were plenty of drug stories at the Winter Olympics too. I don't think it's done that much damage."

* Today's meeting at Kelso and tomorrow's card at Fairyhouse have been abandoned because of snow and waterlogging.