Survey of positive results from racecourse antidoping samples received at Racecourse Security Services’ Laboratories.

The research article presents a 12-year review of doping tests in horse racing, comparing results between different racing authorities from 1970 to 1981. The study indicates a relatively same proportion of positive test results in winners and non-winners, with drugs found falling primarily into four categories. It also provides evidence suggesting that deliberate doping is relatively rare.

Study Overview and Methodology

• The research conducted aimed to survey the results of doping tests carried out by the Jockey Club during the 12-year period between 1970 and 1981.
• These results were then compared to results from various overseas racing authorities for different periods between 1975 and 1981.
• The study examined the pH levels of post-race urine samples from the horses, observing that they were predominantly acidic, which favors the excretion of potent basic drugs.

Findings and Observations

• The overall findings indicated that the proportion of positive doping results was roughly the same among both winners and non-winners – about one in every 400 horses sampled.
• The drugs detected were mainly found to be from four categories: methylxanthines (a class of stimulants), non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, local anaesthetics, and anabolic steroids.
• The study suggests that deliberate doping, based on the data, is relatively rare.

Comparison with Overseas Authorities

• When compared to data from some overseas authorities, the evidence for doping was usually much stronger and occurred far more frequently.
• In the three authorities cited, the rate of positive results were about one in five, one in 50, and one in 240.
• The data from these authorities also showed a higher frequency of sympathomimetic amines, a class of stimulants used to enhance performance.

Deterrent Effect of Routine Testing

• In conclusion, this research presents evidence of the deterrent effect of conducting routine doping tests in horse racing sport.
• Such systematic testing could effectively curb the discretion of rudimentary doping exercises and ensure a fairer competition environment.