Human anti-doping
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has in place a set of Anti-Doping Regulations that all Jockeys must abide by. If you are a licensed Jockey, the Anti-Doping Regulations apply to you, regardless of what level you compete at.
The fundamental aims of doping control are:
- To safeguard the physical and mental health of Jockeys
- To safeguard the equine athletes
- To uphold and preserve the ethics of sport.
The Jockey Testing Code can be found here.
Drugs and alcohol testing
Drugs and alcohol misuse (or abuse) can damage not only a Jockey’s physical and emotional health, but also their career prospects, family life and relationships. The health and wellbeing of a Jockey is a vital part of achieving a successful career in racing, which can be jeopardised by even one occasion of drug or alcohol misuse.
Jockeys are subject to drug and alcohol testing coordinated by the BHA. The primary focus is testing for any substance which is performance inhibiting (e.g. alcohol, cocaine, cannabis) in order to provide a safe environment for competition.
By using any substance that can alter judgment and reactions, a Jockey may put their life, the lives of their fellow Jockeys and/or equine counterparts in danger.
Jockeys can be tested via several different methods including urine, point of care tests, hair, and breath.
Jockeys may be subject to Enhanced Testing if they have been previously penalised by a recognised Racing Authority or convicted by a criminal court for an offence pertaining to drugs and/or alcohol.
Banned and notifiable medications
Certain medications are prohibited at all times or may require notifying the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, Dr Jerry Hill. Jockeys should familiarise themselves with the list which can be found here.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive. The use, deliberate or otherwise, of any substance that may convey an advantage to the rider or may impair their capability, judgement, coordination, or alertness is banned.
Resources
E-learning
Education and prevention are a priority. E-learning courses relating to the misuse of drugs and alcohol can be found here.
Help and support
If you are a Jockey and are concerned about yourself or another Jockey, please speak to Dr Jerry Hill, The PJA and/or Sporting Chance. For confidential advice call: 077 8000 8877 or email: [email protected].
The BHA supports a fair and equitable competition environment. You can anonymously submit information via RaceWISE.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are concerned for someone else:
- Call 999
- The Samaritans 116 123
- For a list of International Emergency Numbers and Suicide Helpline’s visit: suicidestop.com
Testing figures
The BHA’s Jockey testing statistics from 2020 – 2024 can be seen below:
| Year | *2020 | *2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Breath | 452 | 18 | 1952 | 3659 | 4590 |
| Urine | 547 | 631 | 847 | 1480 | 1610 |
| Hair | 3 | 9 | 8 | 23 | 23 |
* denotes years affected by Covid restrictions
