Ensuring the integrity of post-race biological sample collection is a cornerstone of equine anti-doping programs. In Chile, the Test Barn at Hipódromo Chile (HCH) has held ISO 9001 quality management certification since 2019. This certification is recognized nationally by the Instituto Nacional de Normalización (INN) and internationally by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The standard requires strict documentation, personnel training, and continuous improvement processes, combined with periodic internal and external audits.
This study describes the operational framework of the ISO 9001-certified Test Barn, from the point of view of the Head of the Official Veterinary Service (HCH) and the Equine Antidoping Chief Director of Superior Council of Chilean Horseracing Activities (Consejo Superior de la Hípica; CSHN), including a review of case records from 2021–2023, which led to civil lawsuits filed by the each responsible persons challenging the validity of sampling procedures. Allegations included potential cross-contamination, chain-of-custody breaches, and inadequate hygiene measures. In each case, the Test Barn’s ISO-driven documentation—comprising signed checklists, audit records, and CCTV footage—provided decisive evidence that upheld the integrity of the process, resulting in favorable court rulings for the regulatory authority.
The implementation of ISO 9001 has improved operational consistency, enhanced transparency, and strengthened the legal defensibility of anti-doping procedures. The system’s emphasis on traceability and preventive controls ensures that all stages of sample collection are verifiable and reproducible. The Chilean experience demonstrates that adopting internationally recognized quality management standards in equine sports can not only raise the professional standards of daily operations but also provide a robust safeguard against legal challenges, thereby reinforcing public trust in the fairness and integrity of racing.