BHA to introduce 'less predictable' drug tests

TRAINERS face more random on-the-spot drug testing of their horses next year as part of a "more flexible approach"by the BHA.

No longer will the authorities major on post-race testing of runners, launching "less predictable" testing initiatives, increasingly driven by information and intelligence received on horses in training.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the BHA stressed that the overall policy  remained that "no horse should run in Great Britain under the effects of  medication or have any substance present in its system that can affect  performance".

It went on: "Protecting the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the thoroughbred horse remains a priority, and this new approach will enhance the deterrent effect."

Thenew testing regime starts on January 1 and will be, the BHA claimed, "less predictable; the levels and timings of testing, the type of testing, and even the samples collected will vary to ensure our efforts are targeted, and not  just all routine tests.

"Whilst a significant volume of post-race sampling will continue, the authority will considerably increase the amount of pre-race and in-training testing. Blood and other forms of sampling will be adopted."

A BHA spokesman would not comment on Thursday night on the numbers and types of tests, and where and how they will be taken, but suggested that figures would be available at the end of 2010.

Under the present testing programme, 9,035 samples were taken in 2007, seven proving positive. In 2008, there were  9,631 samples, with 15 positive cases being confirmed.

Professor Tim Morris, the BHA's director of equine science and welfare, said: "This new approach will allow us to ensure a good spread of testing, whilst increased unpredictability in testing will deter offenders.

"We also want to be able to act quickly on intelligence received and deter the extremely smallminority of people in our sport who might cheat.

"In-training testing allows us to help trainers ensure that they and their staff are using medication for horses in training appropriately and keeping accurate records of their use."

Paul Scotney, BHA director of integrity services and licensing, said the reforms were designed  to enhance the "capacity to enforce the rules of the sport effectively", and make most effective use of intelligence and their pivotal information.

"We want to extend our sources of information," Scotney added.