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    Can Anti-Doping Regulations Protect Horses?
Can Anti-Doping Regulations Protect Horses?
Drug for horses. Source: Paulick Report

Can Anti-Doping Regulations Protect Horses?

The practice of administering drugs to thoroughbred horses to dull pain and boost their performance—often pushing them to their physical limits—will be prohibited in horse racing.

This prohibition is a key aspect of the Horse-racing Integrity and Safety Act, a significant new federal regulation aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities among racehorses.

Horse racing. Source: American Farriers Journal
Horse racing. Source: American Farriers Journal

Yet, questions remain about whether these new measures will be sufficient to regain public trust in horse racing, especially after the recent deaths of seven thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs leading up to this year's Kentucky Derby. 

Mark Wells, an assistant teaching professor of philosophy at Northeastern, noted that when people hear about such legislation, it gives them the impression that actions are being taken to safeguard thoroughbred racehorses. The 2008 euthanisation of Eight Belles, a filly who tragically broke both front legs right after securing second place in the Kentucky Derby, still resonates strongly with the public. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of horse fatalities, including the notable 42 deaths at California's Santa Anita race track in 2019.

Wells commented on the situation, acknowledging that the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act could create a public belief that the issues contributing to the deaths of thoroughbreds, like the recent ones before the Derby, will be tackled and prevented moving forward. He suggested that this legislation represents an effort by the horse racing industry to ensure its survival.

In response to the 2019 tragedy at Santa Anita, officials implemented measures aimed at enhancing horse safety, which reportedly led to a significant decrease in fatalities, with only 12 horse deaths recorded in 2022.

How 'Doping' Conceals Injuries in Racehorses

The Horse Racing Safety Act also encompasses regulations on the use of whips and addresses safety issues related to track conditions, according to Keith Dane, who serves as the senior director of the equine protection program at the Humane Society of the United States.

Notwithstanding, he believes the new anti-doping rules have the most significant potential to mitigate injuries and fatalities among horses.

Horses Eat Medications. Source: The Horse
Horses Eat Medications. Source: The Horse

Dane explained that medications used to mask pain are a significant factor in the breakdown of racehorses. These drugs can conceal fractures and other injuries that require healing, allowing horses to continue racing when they should be resting.

He also pointed out that drugs designed to enhance performance can force thoroughbreds to exceed their natural capabilities, leading to further risk of injury.

Although the Horse Racing Safety Act was enacted in 2020, the implementation of anti-doping measures was delayed by lawsuits and legal challenges. 

The Federal Trade Commission, which holds the authority to establish policies under the act, mandated that anti-doping regulations take effect on May 22, just in time for the Belmont Stakes on June 10, but not soon enough for the Kentucky Derby on May 6 or the Preakness on May 20 of this year.

Dane expressed hope that these measures will significantly reduce equine fatalities, emphasising that their success is something the industry is eagerly relying on.

Doping Concerns in Horse Racing

Horse doping. Source: Midjourney
Horse doping. Source: Midjourney

Keith Dane, senior director of the equine protection program at the Humane Society of the United States, mentioned that currently, trainers and owners are permitted to administer Lasix to thoroughbreds to prevent pulmonary bleeding, pending further safety evaluations.

Lasix, a potent diuretic, is already prohibited on race days in Europe, Asia, and Australia. However, Mark Wells raised concerns about whether anti-doping measures alone will be sufficient to safeguard thoroughbreds. He noted that while thoroughbreds are bred for speed, this focus can lead to other issues, similar to how "designer" dogs like pugs have inherent problems due to selective breeding.

Wells explained that thoroughbreds, weighing around 1,000 pounds on their fragile ankles, are inherently delicate and sensitive animals, even when not racing. He pointed out that these horses often race before their skeletal structures are fully developed, highlighting the inherent risks of this activity.

In the unfortunate case of Medina Spirit, who was stripped of the 2021 Kentucky Derby title after failing a post-race drug test, the colt's death later in December was attributed to a heart attack during training. Despite an incomplete necropsy, The New York Times reported that hair, urine, and blood samples showed no evidence of doping.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has advocated for additional measures to protect racehorses, including limiting racing to grass surfaces and banning competitive racing for horses under the age of three. Currently, significant races for 2-year-olds, such as the American Pharoah Stakes, are seen as key milestones leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The Derby, along with other Triple Crown races, features 3-year-old horses.

Dane suggested that the future of public support for horse racing hinges on how well the industry adopts and adheres to these new regulations. He compared it to the decline of greyhound racing in the United States, noting that industries which view the deaths of their athletes as acceptable business costs are unlikely to sustain themselves in the long term.

BHA's Commitment to Equine Anti-Doping

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has established its Equine Anti-Doping Programme to maintain the integrity of British horse racing and ensure the well-being of the horses involved. Upholding fairness among participants, providing clear and consistent guidelines, and prioritising the safety and health of the horses are central to the programme's mission.

Misuse of authorised medications poses a significant risk to the integrity of the sport. It can lead to an unfair competitive edge and compromise horse welfare, and as such, it is strictly prohibited. 

As the governing body of British racing, the BHA enforces a stringent anti-doping policy that does not tolerate any form of doping. Consistent with regulations in most racing jurisdictions worldwide, horses competing under BHA Rules must be free from the influence of any prohibited substances or methods.

To support this, the BHA has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for Anti-Doping and medication control that emphasises both education and prevention, ensuring a thorough and preventive approach to upholding these standards.

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