BHA becomes the first national governing body to introduce in-competition race-day saliva testing as part of its anti-doping programme.
In a move to further safeguard human and equine wellbeing and safety, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is currently developing a pilot program to assess the use of saliva testing on race days as a method of testing jockeys for cocaine and other banned substances.
The use of the Class A drug is becoming increasingly common in horseracing, with the champion jockey Oisin Murphy serving a three-month ban after a positive test in France (he denied taking the drug). Similarly, Philip Prince was banned from racing for six months after testing positive for cocaine at Wolverhampton Races on 16 November 2020. A BHA disciplinary panel heard his sample had a "concerningly high" level of cocaine, representing more than 56 times the threshold. Philip Prince admitted the breach and said in a BHA interview he was a "regular user of cocaine", using it "three to four times a week".
The pilot, which is currently planned to commence in the spring 2021, is being developed in conjunction with the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA). The test will use oral swabs to provide a near-instant indication as to whether cocaine and other banned substances are present in a jockey's system. If a jockey tests positive under the new scheme they will be stood down from riding for the day, as is the case if a jockey fails a breathalyser test for the presence of alcohol.
Previously, jockeys were only tested using blood, urine and hair sampling all of which require more processing time than saliva swabs. The safety benefits of faster results are clear. In Philip Prince's case, the time required to process urine samples meant he rode at Wolverhampton despite having 8,450 ng/ml of benzoylecgonine a metabolite of cocaine in his system, when the BHA threshold is 150 ng/ml.
There are similarities here to the rapid results produced by lateral flow tests used for COVID-19 testing, but the pilot must demonstrate that the saliva tests are robust, so that jockeys can be reassured regarding the risk of false positives. In an attempt to further safeguard against ‘false positives’, the saliva testing will be used alongside urine testing with a broad range of substances detectable.
Race day saliva tests will act as a preliminary screen and any jockey who tests positive will be required to take a confirmatory test (i.e. urine test) for the purposes of any further investigation or disciplinary action. Any jockey who returns a positive test will also be contacted by the BHA's Chief Medical Adviser to discuss any care and support that may be appropriate.
As well as providing instant responses, saliva testing is also highly cost effective. If the pilot proves successful and the system is rolled out on a permanent basis, this combined with increased funding being allocated to testing in 2021 would result in a significant increase in the number of race day tests carried out each year. The new test would improve BHA’s ability to protect the sport against individuals who are competing while under the influence of prohibited substances.
The BHA is alive to the fact that there are wider wellbeing considerations to tackle above and beyond the regulatory infringements which need to be addressed. The BHA has confirmed its commitment to working with the PJA to take a wider look at these issues in order to assess how to better educate and protect participants and rehabilitate those who do become involved with doping. The BHA also wishes to encourage a culture of openness within horseracing, whereby participants have the confidence to come forward and speak up about issues around health and wellbeing and in turn obtain the support they need.
Conclusion
The introduction of a saliva testing programme is not by any means a straightforward matter. The BHA will undoubtedly face criticism from participants who may question the effectiveness of the test and subsequently the validity of the results. However, given the vast increase of substance use by jockeys, tougher penalties such as longer bans are on the BHA's radar. By introducing this new test, the BHA has openly expressed its commitment to exploring new deterrents in order to avoid the need for enhanced sanctions.
Irrespective of whether the new test is introduced following its pilot, BHA has also emphasised its commitment to ensuring it has reporting procedures in place which are clear, well-publicised, and easily accessible, with appropriate support made available to those making reports. In principle these measures should encourage participants to engage with the BHA to tackle these issues.
Brabners has extensive experience of working with both athletes and governing bodies in relation to integrity and welfare matters. This includes anti-doping. If you would like more information on our experience and services please contact Lydia Edgar or Catherine Forshaw.
