Dear Racing Fans,

Catch the cheaters; protect the honest. It is a fundamental concept that requires a complex and coordinated effort by our entire industry.

First and foremost, no anti-doping program can be effective if the only ‘tool in the box’ is drug testing. Strong intelligence gathering and surveillance, both human and electronic, are a necessary part of ensuring a level playing field in horse racing.

While our laboratories are actively engaged in developing methods to detect emerging threats, we also know that this is a game of ‘catch up.’ Laboratories can’t develop a test until they know what to look for; and by the time we know to look for it, often that substance is no longer a theoretical threat but one that is already in use and impacting the integrity of our sport. Even then, the fact is that some substances can’t be controlled by drug testing. This is a frustrating truth, but failing to acknowledge it prevents the identification and implementation of alternate strategies—such as intelligence gathering and surveillance that can be effective where drug testing may not. Intelligence and surveillance combined with a rigorous out-of-competition testing program establish a Best Practice that serves as both a deterrent and an enhanced opportunity to detect emergent doping threats.

In recent years, the RMTC has funded research that has successfully developed improved EPO testing methods. RMTC-accredited laboratories have also achieved breakthroughs in detecting dermorphin, AICAR, anabolic steroids and clenbuterol in hair samples, GABA, ethylphenidate, IOX-2 and ziconotide. Clearly, there is much more work to be done, but much has been accomplished.

The RMTC has funded the analysis of substances acquired from stakeholders or through barn and vehicle inspections. In the vast majority of these cases, extravagant product claims for performance enhancement are not supported by laboratory detection, but instead prove to be only benign or inactive substances. A 50 ml vial of Blast Off Red, an injectable product, was sold by an unlicensed online ‘pharmacy’ for $74.95. Analysis confirmed that it contained nothing other than Vitamin B-12, 100 mls of which can be purchased for less than $20. It can be satisfying to find out the cheaters are being cheated. Nonetheless; our work continues, as we support the industry whenever a questionable substance is discovered.

In the most recent cases involving allegations of doping against John Service, Jorge Navarro and others, the RMTC has shared information with the FDA in the ongoing investigation and will continue to assist in any way possible, as it remains committed to its mission statement:  Research, education and advocacy for science-based initiatives that promote the health and safety of the racehorse and the integrity of competition.

Sincerely,
Alex Waldrop
RMTC Chairman
NTRA President & CEO