Horseracing medication and doping control is a constantly evolving field, with new threats and scientific challenges arising all of the time. As such, Laboratories have to invest in the development of new analytical approaches along with updating and improving their current screening strategies. Each laboratory will operate within their own unique environment, in terms of customers, relevant governing bodies and regulatory rules, which in turn will create different economic and scientific challenges. Peer reviewed publishing of the development of new methods and approaches to equine medication and doping control is an important part of many laboratories research streams and allows for the wider community to share, discuss and ultimately benefit from the work being performed around the world.
In this paper, the published analytical advances in horseracing medication and doping control since the 23rdnd ICRAV in Hong Kong will be reviewed. Published work will be assessed and any significant trends identified and discussed. The review will cover a broad range of relevant analytical topics, including, but not limited to; the analysis of both small and large molecules, PK/PD studies and their application, new advances in gene doping/gene therapy and efforts to detect their use, the implementation of new analytical instruments and technologies, and continuing advances in the detection of prohibited at all times compounds, such as anabolic steroids. In keeping with the conference theme of ‘Across the Species’, there will also be discussion of relevant and interesting work from other species, both animal and human.
In addition, as with previous iterations of this review, data from the AORC positive case report will be consolidated and reviewed in order to identify interesting trends and developments.