Abstract: The analytical approaches taken by laboratories to implement robust and efficient regulation of horseracing medication and doping control are complex and constantly evolving. Each laboratory's approach will be dictated by differences in regulatory, economic and scientific drivers specific to their local environment. However, in general, laboratories will all be undertaking developments and improvements to their screening strategies in order to meet new and emerging threats as well as provide improved service to their customers. In this paper, the published analytical advances in horseracing medication and doping control since the 22nd International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians will be reviewed. Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the worldwide economy, the normal 2-year period of this review was extended to over 5 years. As such, there was considerable ground to cover, resulting in an increase in the number of relevant publications included from 107 to 307. Major trends in publications will be summarised and possible future directions highlighted. This will cover developments in the detection of 'small' and 'large' molecule drugs, sample preparation procedures and the use of alternative matrices, instrumental advances/applications, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, the detection and prevalence of 'endogenous' compounds and biomarker and OMICs approaches. Particular emphasis will be given to research into the potential threat of gene doping, which is a significant area of new and continued research for many laboratories. Furthermore, developments in analytical instrumentation relevant to equine medication and doping control will be discussed.
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Overview
This research article reviews major analytical advancements in the field of horseracing medication and doping control from 2018 to 2023.
It summarizes key scientific and technological developments in detection methods, sample preparation, and emerging threats including gene doping, to improve regulation and fairness in horseracing.
Introduction and Scope
The paper reviews published analytical advancements in horseracing doping control since the previous review presented at the 22nd International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians.
Due to COVID-19’s impact extending the review period from 2 years to over 5, the authors analyzed a more comprehensive set of studies—growing from 107 to 307 publications.
The review covers several facets of the discipline, bridging scientific research with regulatory and practical implementation considerations worldwide.
Context and Challenges
Horseracing doping laboratories face complex and evolving challenges driven by:
Regulatory differences based on local rules and guidelines.
Economic constraints influencing resource availability and technology adoption.
Scientific drivers such as emerging new drugs and advanced doping methods.
Laboratories constantly develop and refine screening strategies for robustness, efficiency, and to address novel threats to fair competition.
Key Areas of Analytical Advances
Drug Detection Techniques: Both ‘small molecule’ (traditional drugs and doping agents) and ‘large molecule’ (e.g., peptides, proteins) drug detection methods have seen improvements.
Sample Preparation and Alternative Matrices: Enhanced methods to extract and prepare different biological samples including alternatives to traditional blood and urine, facilitating better detection sensitivity and broader testing capabilities.
Instrumental Advances: Adoption and improvement in technologies such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and chromatography for more precise and rapid analyses.
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics: Deeper understanding of how doping substances metabolize and persist in equine systems, helping refine detection windows and interpretation of results.
Endogenous Compounds and Biomarkers: Advanced research into naturally occurring substances in horses and how they may mask doping agents or serve as indicators of doping.
OMICs Approaches: Utilization of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics to identify molecular signatures related to doping or physiological changes caused by medication.
Focus on Gene Doping
Gene doping represents a significant emerging threat, involving the manipulation of genetic material to enhance performance.
Laboratories worldwide are investing in research to detect gene editing or gene transfer interventions, which involve sophisticated molecular biology tools and bioinformatics.
This area is highlighted as a priority for future development due to its complexity and potential for evading conventional doping tests.
Implications for Regulation and Future Directions
The integration of new analytical technologies improves the ability to enforce fair competition and animal welfare standards.
The paper suggests ongoing collaboration is necessary between regulatory bodies, laboratories, and scientific communities to keep pace with innovation in doping methods.
Continued development in high-throughput screening and biomarker discovery will likely enhance early detection and reduce the risk of performance-enhancing drug abuse.
Emerging tools from OMICs and gene editing detection warrant further investment for their application in routine doping control.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review spanning over five years presents an updated understanding of analytical strategies in horseracing medication and doping control.
It emphasizes the evolving nature of doping challenges and how laboratories strategically innovate to meet these through improved detection methods, embracing new scientific knowledge and technologies.
Cite This Article
APA
Gray B, Lubbock K, Love C, Ryder E, Hudson S, Scarth J.
(2024).
Analytical advances in horseracing medication and doping control from 2018 to 2023.
Drug Test Anal, 17(5), 663-684.
https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3760
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