Detection of various performance enhancing substances in specimens collected from race horses in Illinois: a five-year experience.

This research article discusses how performance-enhancing substances were detected in horses in race courses in Illinois over a five-year period, from 2004-2009. Despite a small percentage of violations reported, a variety of performance-enhancing drugs were identified among the specimens collected post-race from winners and designated race horses.

Methodology

• The study implemented rigorous testing on both blood and urine samples taken from winning and special designation horses at eight different race tracks across Illinois.
• These samples were initially screened through immunoassays, followed by confirmatory tests on samples that initially tested positive.
• In addition, perimortem and postmortem specimens, as well as special exhibits like syringes and needles, were examined.
• The researchers also measured the concentration of total plasma carbon dioxide to identify the use of alkalinizing agents.

Results and Findings

• In the period of five years studied, 91,808 specimens were collected, constituting 45,210 urine specimens and 46,598 blood specimens.
• Out of those, 413 specimens (0.45%) were in violation, including 207 blood specimens and 206 urine specimens.
• More violations were reported in harness horses (220), as compared to Thoroughbred horses (193).
• Although the number of violations was relatively small, the variety of performance-enhancing drugs found was broad.

Conclusion

• While the percentage of violations found in these specimens was small, this study highlights the need for continuous and rigorous testing in the horse racing industry.
• Both the presence of performance-enhancing drugs and the diversity of these substances emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of horse racing in Illinois, and by implication, in other states and countries as well.