[Historical aspects on the development of doping research on the horse in the Veterinary College in Berlin 1925-1945].

This historical research provides an overview of the development of doping research on racehorses at the Veterinary College in Berlin between 1925 and 1945, particularly highlighting their significant contribution in shaping international anti-doping measures and how World War II hindered their progress.

Research Methodology and Goals

• The research aimed at investigating the development of doping research in racehorses, focusing on the period between 1925 to 1945 at the Veterinary College in Berlin.
• The researchers traced the development of microchemical analysis methods for doping-alkaloids, intended to detect illegal performance-enhancing substances in horses.
• The research also looked at clinical studies performed on doped racehorses to understand the impact of various substances.

Impact of the Research

• Through their comprehensive research, the Veterinary College in Berlin played a significant role in combating the use of doping in racehorses in Germany.
• The structures they developed for anti-doping measures became a blueprint for other countries including Greece, Japan, and the United States.
• Consequently, these efforts not only had domestic implications in controlling doping among racehorses but also significantly influenced anti-doping measures internationally.

Challenges in the Progress of Research

• While the research at the Veterinary College in Berlin yielded significant outcomes, their work faced a disruption due to the occurrence of the Second World War in 1943.
• As a result, the development of spectroscopical methods and clinical investigations in this field experienced a stagnation, creating a pause in the progression of anti-doping research.