Horse Trainer Alleges Billionaire Offered Bribe Over Doping Claims

A horse trainer has accused billionaire stud owner Luke Comer of attempting to bribe him into taking the blame for doping allegations involving horses under Comer’s care. Jim Gorman, who served as Comer’s training manager for six years at Brookville Racing Ltd, claims Comer pressured him to accept responsibility for the presence of banned substances found in some of the horses.

Gorman’s allegations surfaced during ongoing High Court proceedings as he seeks information to counter defamatory claims made against him. He contends that lawyers representing John Magnier, owner of Coolmore Stud, issued a letter refuting any involvement in a supposed conspiracy to administer prohibited substances to Comer’s horses. The correspondence reportedly stated that Magnier informed Comer directly that Coolmore would never engage in such activities and recommended he approach the Garda with his concerns.

In an affidavit, Gorman, who resides in Co Kildare, seeks an order compelling the defendants to disclose the identity of a senior Coolmore executive. This individual allegedly claimed that Gorman received a significant sum of money from Coolmore to administer drugs to Comer’s horses. Gorman asserts that these accusations have caused him serious reputational damage, prompting his desire to pursue legal action against the unnamed executive.

Gorman’s legal troubles began in October 2021, when he received communication from the defendants’ solicitors indicating that horses he worked with tested positive for banned androgenic anabolic steroids. The letter clarified that while the horses tested positive, Comer had not authorized any wrongdoing. An appeals board later reviewed the sanctions against Comer, ultimately finding him guilty and imposing a three-year ban along with substantial fines and legal costs.

The letter from the defendants’ solicitors also addressed a conversation that reportedly took place between Comer and Gorman in October 2024, in which Comer allegedly suggested that Gorman should “take the rap” for the positive drug tests. Gorman claims that Comer proposed a bribe, stating he would provide Gorman with a small training yard in exchange for his silence on the issue. Gorman firmly rejected this offer, stating that compromising his integrity would tarnish his family’s long-standing reputation in horse training.

Gorman’s solicitor made several attempts to serve legal proceedings to Comer, who is currently residing in Monaco. Despite these efforts, the necessary information has not been forthcoming. Gorman maintains that the defendants are implicated in the defamatory statements made by the Coolmore executive and is determined to pursue his case to clear his name.

The unfolding legal battle highlights the complexities of the horse racing industry, where the reputations of trainers and owners can be significantly impacted by allegations of doping. As this case progresses, it will likely draw further scrutiny from both the media and regulatory bodies in the sport.