A new ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to doping has been implemented by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
No exceptions
The anti-doping rules, which came into effect on 2 March, stateno racehorse should ever be administered an anabolic steroid during its career – with no exceptions.
BHA first decided to tackle the problem of doping back in 2013 after two top trainers admitted giving banned substances to their horses.
A total of 15 horses trained by Mahmood al Zarooni at the Godolphin stable and nine trained by Gerard Butler tested positive for anabolic steroids.
Critical topic
“Following the events of 2013 it was essential that the BHA ensured that British Racing would remain at the forefront of a critical topic for not only racing but all modern sports,” said Nick Rust, chief executive of the BHA. “The enhanced, zero-tolerance rules represent exactly that.”
However, he was quick to point out there is no “current evidence” that the use of banned substances is endemic in British racing.
“We showed in 2013 that when it does take place we are able to detect it and act on it,” he said. “But we must never be complacent.”
Key new rules
The key elements in the new guide are:
- A horse must never be administered with an anabolic steroid at any time from birth to retirement.
- Any horse testing positive for anabolic steroidswill be banned from racing in Britainfor 14 months.
- All horses must be available for testing at any time.
- The responsible person will be the trainer while the horse is under their care or control and the owner at all other times.
Good of the sport
The guide has been distributed to relevant bodies both domestically and internationally, as well as being sent directly to all licensed trainers and registered owners in Britain.
“The publication of the new rules marks another step on the journey for both British Racing and the racing community internationally, which has included the BHA undertaking a lengthy and ongoing consultation and engagement with racing bodies around the world,” said Nick.
“We hope that the steps we have taken will lead other nations to follow suit and implement rules that are as stringent as ours, for the good of the sport and the horse.”
Hair samples
In the longer term, hair samples will also be used as they can detect substances administered over a much longer period than blood and urine. Hair has been used on an occasional basis for some time, but this sampling method will form a more regular part of the BHA’s testing procedures.
The official new guide can be found on the BHA website.