• Testing for gene doping incorporated into raceday and out of competition sampling
• Follows BHA investment in extensive research at the LGC laboratory in Fordham
• LGC secures accreditation to utilise newly developed testing methods

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is expanding its world-leading equine Anti-Doping programme to include testing for evidence of gene doping, following extensive research into detection methods.

In a significant move to protect the integrity of British racing and the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses, the testing will be incorporated immediately into the BHA’s routine raceday and out of competition sampling processes.

Gene doping includes the use of genetic or cellular manipulation of the horse’s DNA, either directly via gene editing techniques or by the addition of genetic material into the cell by gene transfer, in an attempt to enhance athletic performance or aid recovery following exercise.

Prohibited under the Rules of Racing, gene doping is widely recognised across international jurisdictions as an emerging risk to racehorse welfare, the fairness of competition on the racecourse and the future of the thoroughbred breed.

To combat this evolving threat, the BHA has invested nearly £2 million into ground-breaking scientific research at the LGC laboratory in Fordham to improve the detection and monitoring of gene doping.

Following the establishment of a specialist team at LGC in 2019 and with BHA support and input from Centre for Racehorse Studies, researchers at LGC have developed and refined the technological capabilities to identify where gene doping may have occurred – a major step forward in deterring its use.

Alongside establishing and validating the necessary analytical methods, the LGC laboratory has successfully secured accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service to roll out what will be the first of a new generation of tests looking at different forms of gene doping.

The new testing will begin immediately as part of the BHA’s wider equine anti-doping programme, which combines raceday sampling with out of competition testing to ensure the Rules of Racing are being followed and that the sport is safe, fair and clean.

The programme utilises random sampling and intelligence-led testing as a deterrent against the use of prohibited substances and the inappropriate use of medicines and methods that could give competitors an unfair advantage and have a negative impact on horse welfare.

The BHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brant Dunshea, said:

“Testing for gene doping is a significant step forward for British racing and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our horses, protecting the thoroughbred breed and integrity of our competition.

“While there are international examples of the use of genetic manipulation in other equestrian activities, there is no evidence to suggest that this is taking place in Britain or across any other international racing jurisdictions. However, scientific and technological advancements mean that genetic manipulation poses a very real risk to horseracing and the essence of the thoroughbred breed.

“It’s essential that we are proactive in this space, and through investing in this cutting-edge research we now have the technological capabilities to detect and deter any attempts to exploit nefarious techniques that could give horses an unfair advantage.

“We will continue to work with the LGC laboratory, our international partners through the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the wider scientific community to expand our knowledge and analytical capabilities and stay ahead of any new integrity and welfare threats.”

LGC’s Laboratory Director for Animal Sports testing, Dr James Scarth, said:

“The BHA’s long-term strategic investment into gene doping research at LGC means that we are now in a position to deploy routine tests to tackle this potential threat.

“LGC’s team of expert scientists, led by Dr Edward Ryder, have developed novel and effective solutions to detect both transgenes and their delivery vectors in equine samples. These innovative methods have been developed with flexibility in mind, allowing us to add new genes should new threats emerge, ensuring the relevance of the technology for years to come.

“The experimental work has been complemented in parallel with the establishment of partnerships with other global laboratories and racing authorities, which has led to the development of international guidelines for gene doping analyses.”

Notes to editors:

1. A frequently asked questions document is available here.

2. More information about the BHA’s equine Anti-Doping programme is available on the BHA website.

3. Gene Doping is defined by the World Anti Doping Agency as the nontherapeutic use of cells, genes, genetic elements, or modulation of gene expression, that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance. There are two main methods of gene doping; the first is gene transfer with non-integrating transgenes which affects the individual animal only. The second is gene editing, which is the direct alteration of the genome of an organism which potentially affects both the individual animal and future generations.

4. In 2016 the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) established a Gene Doping Control Subcommittee, with the purpose of safeguarding the integrity of horseracing and the thoroughbred breed. Membership of the subcommittee includes Dr Edward Ryder of the LGC Group, with Acting BHA chief executive officer Brant Dunshea a regular observer. More information about the IFHA subcommittee is available here.

5. About LGC Group. LGC is a global leader in life science tools, dedicated to partnering with customers to deliver solutions that diagnose, treat, feed, and protect our growing population. With over 180 years of scientific heritage, LGC collaborates with the scientific community to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges, responding to global health crises, pioneering precision medicine, and enhancing the safety of food, medicines, and the environment. Operating in 14 countries, LGC’s products and services are integral to industries that safeguard public health, food, water, and medicine. LGC’s solutions help its diverse customer base—from pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic manufacturers to testing laboratories and food producers—maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. With over 60 years of experience in doping control since its founding in 1963, LGC’s  contributions to horseracing have significantly advanced animal welfare and the integrity of animal sports. Its world-leading and ongoing research and testing programmes have been instrumental in guiding the development of international thresholds and drug testing policies. As early adopters of new techniques and technologies, LGC are recognised as industry specialists in analysing doping threats, anabolic steroid chemistry, hair analysis, and gene doping. Together with its partners, LGC works toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world, advancing the science that protects people and the planet.