The British Horseracing Authority is taking strides to step up its drug-testing game. 

Horseracing, like many major competitive sports, has continued behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Recently, they have announced they are looking to step up their anti-doping efforts by being the first major sport, In Britain, to introduce saliva testing. This will screen jockeys for substances, such as cocaine, on the day of racing events.  

The British Horseracing Authority was using blood, urine and hair sampling to previously test jockeys.  

The appeal of utilising saliva is that results would be almost immediate, meaning jockeys can be removed from the day of racing. Saliva testing provides a cost-effective method for gaining results. This screening method is looking to be implemented permanently after the pilot test is introduced throughout spring. 

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said:  

 “This is an exciting and innovative proposal which could have a huge impact on our ability to protect the sport against individuals who are competing while under the influence of prohibited substances. We are pleased to be working with the JPA on its development.  

“We hope that the use of on-the-day screening, alongside increased testing capacity, will provide a greater deterrent to potential offenders and greater reassurance to riders that they are competing in a safe environment, should the pilot be successful.” 

Last week, professional jockey ‘Prince Philip’ was banned from racing for six months after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine at Wolverhampton Races on 16 November last year. Also, Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is currently serving a three-month ban after a positive test. 

If jockeys are under influence of a substance, they pose a potential risk to themselves, other jockeys and horses. Saliva testing will be used alongside urine testing with a broad range of substances aiming to be uncovered. Raceday saliva tests will act as a preliminary screen. 

This is highlighting a trend that is sweeping across the drugs and alcohol testing industry, where urine testing is now being phased out and considered outdated with saliva testing becoming the most trusted method.  

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This article was written by one of the Odilia Clark research team. Odilia Clark is a specialist HR services company with over 30 years of combined experience in the space. If you would like to find out more, please get in contact.