Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: Sept. 17, 2024
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on Sept. 17 released the results of HIWU’s investigation of the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.
The report details the events leading up to the investigation, including UK-EACL’s persistent delays in reporting results, unprofessional staff behavior, and unresponsiveness to HIWU communications. Ultimately, the catalyst for the commencement of the investigation was the discovery by HIWU of intentional misrepresentations that were made about sample analysis.
Key findings of the six-month-long investigation include:
- UK-EACL’s failure to comply with mandatory testing specifications and instructions, including its standard operating procedures and sample analysis methods.
- UK-EACL misrepresented both its ability to test for specific substances, including erythropoietin (EPO), and the completion of analysis for certain substances on specific Samples.
At the direction of UK-EACL Director Dr. Scott Stanley, the laboratory failed to perform confirmatory analysis on 91 samples whose initial screening showed the potential presence of a prohibited substance and therefore required follow-up, instead reporting the samples as negative. As a result of the findings, HIWU re-analyzed and reconciled all remaining potentially affected samples, and HISA has sought repayment from the University of Kentucky for the laboratory’s non-compliant services.
“A key component of HIWU’s mandate is to protect the integrity of Thoroughbred racing and resolve potential deficiencies as soon as possible,” HIWU Executive Director Ben Mosier said. “Through our decision to investigate UK-EACL and consequent discovery of ongoing deceitful activities, we’re proud to have uncovered and halted these unacceptable practices that were unfair to our horsemen and put horses at risk.”
“HISA’s and HIWU’s actions to uncover these wrongdoings and quickly remedy them is a testament to how the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program is enhancing the integrity of our sport and ensuring fairness in competition,” HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus said. “We also thank the University of Kentucky for their partnership and cooperation in the investigation.”
Upgraded accreditation program for analytical laboratories to launch in 2025
To provide further assurance that the other program laboratories are in compliance with the ADMC Program requirements, HIWU has bolstered its negative sample exchange program and is preparing to implement HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory accreditation Jan. 1, 2025.
HEAL accreditation will include enhanced compliance oversight by HIWU and a more robust equine quality assurance scheme sample program. Currently, in a transitional phase, lab accreditation is handled by the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium. HISA and HIWU were initially required to utilize the services of UK-EACL under the requirements of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
HEAL accreditation will give HIWU a strengthened ability to ensure strict compliance by all program laboratories with all ADMC Program requirements.