Racehorses in Britain will be tested for gene doping after the British Horseracing Authority announced it had spent nearly £2m on research to improve detection.
Testing will become part of regular race-day and out-of-competition sampling processes with immediate effect.
Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s acting chief executive, said in a statement: “Testing for gene doping is a significant step forward for British racing and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our horses.”
Quick Guide
Greg Wood’s Wednesday tips
Show
Market Rasen 2.15 Loch Frisa 2.45 Bodygroove 3.15 Issar d’Airy 3.50 Feet On The Ground 4.25 We Got Your Back 5.00 Uptown Dandy
Hereford 2.30 Alexandra Larose 3.00 Lara Kaleo 3.32 Iskar d’Airy 4.07 Time Interval 4.42 Everyonesacritic 5.17 Jimbo Sport
Kempton 4.20 Greydreambeliever 4.55 Marvelman 5.30 Fearnot 6.00 McIntosh 6.30 Solar Army 7.00 Heathcliff (nap) 7.30 Kameel 8.00 Collusion (nb) 8.30 Grey Fox
The statement said there was no evidence to suggest genetic manipulation was taking place in Britain or 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.”
Gene doping involves genetic or cellular manipulation of the horse’s DNA to enhance athletic performance or aid recovery after exercise. It can be done by gene-editing techniques or the addition of genetic material by gene transfer.